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Cate Blanchett's Cornish Garden Plans Bat-tered
18 Mar
Summary
- Cate Blanchett withdrew plans for a garden at her Cornish eco-home.
- Experts warned the garden project could harm local flying mammals.
- The withdrawal followed concerns about lighting unsuitable for bats.
Hollywood star Cate Blanchett has withdrawn plans for a garden at her £1.6 million eco-home in Mawgan Porth, Cornwall. The decision was prompted by concerns raised by ecologists regarding the potential impact of the proposed landscaping and lighting on local bat populations. Experts warned that certain lighting options did not comply with Bat Conservation Trust guidelines.
The proposals, which included a variety of plants, trees, boulders, and a grass drive, were part of an extensive renovation of a cottage purchased in 2020. While initial surveys in 2021 found no active bat roosts in the original building, bats were observed foraging in the area, leading to recommendations for minimal and appropriate lighting.
The withdrawal signifies a pause in the ambitious project. The celebrity couple had previously received approval in 2022 to replace the original cottage with a five-bedroom eco-home. This latest planning application, submitted on January 20, sought to discharge conditions related to landscaping and lighting. Cornwall Council confirmed the withdrawal of the application.
