Out of the ark, Ed’s plan for new chapel
Star wants to build this ‘prayer retreat’ at his ever-expanding estate
HIS first bid to build a chapel on his country estate was thrown out by planning officials.
But the exertions of being the world’s highest- earning solo pop star mean Ed Sheeran, 28, needs a ‘retreat for contemplation and prayer’ – and he’s trying again.
He has submitted plans for a new ark- shaped place of worship at his rapidly expanding estate – dubbed ‘Sheeranville’ – in Framlingham, Suffolk.
It is smaller than the chapel he wanted to build for his marriage to childhood sweetheart Cherry Seaborn last year.
the application for that was rejected by council officials on the grounds that a 32ft-high Saxon-style tower would create ‘unsatisfactory visual impacts’.
A decision on the new plan is due to be made by East Suffolk District Council next month.
Planning documents say the structure has a ‘sweeping boatshaped feel’, ‘leaf-shaped roof’ and ‘cone’ instead of a spire to avoid overshadowing the nearby Church of St Mary.
It will be located near the north-east boundary of Sheeran’s estate because ‘the rising sun is relevant both in the Abrahamic and oriental traditions’, according to paperwork submitted by his father-in-law, Matthew Seaborn.
the main structure would have flint walls, with elements
‘It’s exhausting keeping up’
of limestone, while there will be a lead roof, oak floors and stained-glass windows.
A design statement submitted by architects Donald Insall Associates said: ‘ It would address an important need for a private place of retreat for contemplation and prayer, for celebration of key life and family milestones, family and social gatherings, marriages, christenings and so forth.’
It added that the ‘organic’ design was ‘novel and modern’ and would avoid conflict with the nearby church.
one local, who asked not to be named, said: ‘It’s exhausting keeping up with everything happening [at Sheeranville] but I can’t see a problem with it.’
Sheeran recently completed his two-and-a-half year Divide tour, which took more than £600million, making it the highest grossing ever. As the world’s biggest- earning solo artist, he made a gross profit of £27.7million last year.
His compound has been developing since 2012 when he bought a farmhouse, to which he added a billiard room, recording studio, Jacuzzi and gym. A further five neighbouring properties have been snapped up since then, bringing the total bill to £3.7 million.
A pair of Sheeran’s old slippers is expected to sell for £200 after he donated them to his local charity shop.
they were among a variety of shoes – including 13 pairs of trainers – delivered by an aide to the St Elizabeth Hospice shop in Framlingham.