Ed Sheeran plans to build a private chapel

The ‘Castle On The Hill’ singer sparked speculation he plans to marry fiancee Cherry Seaborn in the grounds of his Suffolk mansion after filing a planning application to build an idyllic retreat there. But the building work would disrupt a collection of great crested newts living in his pond, according to The Sun newspaper. Objections have been lodged against the chapel plans, amid claims the pond is home to one of the largest populations of the protected species in the area. Critics are demanded a “full ecological survey” before the application progresses any further. One objector claimed Ed had shown “total disregard to the local ecology” and the need to preserve the newts’ habitat. The ‘Shape Of You’ singer will have to apply of a license from Natural England in order to proceed with any building work which is found to disturb the habitat of the protected newts. Ed, 27, and his childhood sweetheart Cherry, 25, got engaged last year. The singer is refusing to give anything away about his big day but it’s thought the couple were planning exchange vows at his home in Suffolk after he applied to have a chapel installed. Public planning documents show Ed will not be hiring out the place of worship for weddings but does not rule out him holding his own nuptial there. In the document the ‘Perfect’ songwriter says he needs to build the chapel as a private “retreat for contemplation and prayer.” He adds that high-profile house guests would use it to “regenerate their spiritual strength.”