Konta ends bid for Pooh house

THERE was a furious backlash when Britain’s number one tennis player Johanna Konta announced her intention to build a luxury home at the edge of Ashdown Forest – the setting where Winnie the Pooh played with his friends.

The Woodland Trust was among those that objected to the 27year-old’s application, claiming the fourbedroom bespoke ‘eco-home’ for her elderly parents would destroy part of the ancient woodland that provided inspiration for AA Milne’s Hundred Acre Wood.

But now the sportswoman, pictured – who did not propose felling any trees – has withdrawn her planning application to Wealden District Council to demolish a small single-storey building to make way for a property designed for her parents, Gabor and Gabriella.

Jack Taylor of the Woodland Trust said: ‘We’re delighted Miss Konta has seen the advantage of precious ancient woodland.’