Maxine Peake in standoff with neighbours over plans to convert £1m country home into a rehearsal studio

WATCH HERE: Alex Davies visits Jeremy Clarkson's pub which also faced push back on planning permission

GB News
Marcus Donaldson

By Marcus Donaldson


Published: 09/02/2025

- 14:29

Locals have raised concerns about noise pollution if the renovation was to go ahead

Actress Maxine Peake, 50, is embroiled in a dispute with neighbours over plans to convert barns at her £1 million Grade II listed farmhouse in Leominster, Herefordshire.

The Shameless star who moved to the village just over a year ago, aims to create a rehearsal space for actors at her countryside property.


The plans have sparked opposition from local residents, who claim the development will cause disruption to the rural community - as reported in The Sun and Daily Mail.

Former landscaper Peter Ramsey, who lives next door, has emerged as a leading voice against the proposed conversion, citing concerns about noise and disturbance.

Ramsey has expressed specific worries about "loud music and noise involved in using an outside kitchen to provide for a large number of actors."

Maxine Peake

Maxine Peake has been embroiled in a neighbour row over her home conversion plans

Getty

The neighbour, who resides in a 14th Century home opposite Peake's property, fears the development could be the "first step towards a commercial enterprise."

His concerns centre on the potential disruption to the quiet village setting, which has historic roots dating back to the Domesday Book.

Peake, who describes herself as a "leftie luvvie and writer," has been an active member of the local community since moving in, participating in wassailing events with local Morris men.

In response to the development plans, Ramsey has suggested Peake use the local village hall instead, located just two miles away.

Maxine Peake

The actress has drawn the ire of neighbours over potential noise pollution among other concerns

Getty

"It is available to hire for community use at the remarkable rate of £16 per day," Ramsey stated.

He has formally requested to the council that if the plans are approved, strict conditions should be imposed.

These conditions include mandatory sound proofing for the development.

Ramsey has also asked for a complete ban on outdoor performances and rehearsals at the property.

The plans, submitted by Peake's Ukrainian production designer partner Pawlo Wintoniuk, include several additional features beyond the rehearsal space.

A pottery studio is proposed for one of the barns on the property.

The development would accommodate seven car parking spaces and six cycling spaces.

An ecology study has revealed the presence of bat roosts in the barns, requiring the couple to obtain a protected species migration licence before any work can begin.

Peake isn't the only celeb who has faced resistance to lavish renovation plans. Jeremy Clarkson also had to battle to get approval for expansions to his farm shop and pub.

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