Andre Portasio’s application to Ashford Borough Council (ABC) for the conversion in Aldington, near Ashford, has been approved.
New plans have been greenlit to transform the security office at Paul O’Grady’s former Aldington home into a holiday rental. Picture: Lambert and Foster
Some residents objected to the proposal, fearing it would lead to a “constant stream of visitors.”
However, ABC approved the plan last week, calling it an “acceptable” use for the site off Knoll Hill.
This follows ABC’s previous rejection of Mr. Portasio’s bid to convert the building into a house three times its current size in June.
Aldington and Bonnington Parish Council opposed the revised scheme, claiming it did not enhance the character and tranquility of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
Despite this, ABC deemed the conversion suitable.
Paul O’Grady passed away last year at the age of 67. Picture: Nicky Johnston/ ITV
“The use of the building as a holiday let can be carried out without any major external changes to the building,” the planning officer noted.
“The proposal will not significantly alter the nature and use of the site as a whole, and the building will continue to appear as a modest outbuilding within the curtilage of the host dwelling.
“A modest one-bedroom holiday let would not lead to an unacceptable intensification of traffic to/from the site, no more so than the existing use as a gatekeepers’ cottage.”
O’Grady reportedly left £15.5 million in his will, including half a million pounds to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.
He purchased the land in Aldington in August 1999 for £650,000.
The site of the holiday let at Paul O’Grady’s former home off Knoll Hill, Aldington. Picture: Lambert and Foster
The main house on the site boasts six bedrooms, a swimming pool, 52 acres, and four acres of woodland.
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Formerly known as Bolden’s Field, the property was built in the 1930s.
KentOnline attempted to contact Mr. Portasio’s planning agent for comment.
