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Ellen DeGenereshas witnessed her attempt to construct a large equestrian facility at her £15 million Cotswolds residence blocked following the local council’s refusal of her proposals.

The television personality, aged 68, wished to create an ‘all-weather’ facility for her equestrian wife, Portia De Rossi, who is 53, as they aim to establish deeper ties in the region following their relocation to Britain in November 2024.

They had earlier stated: “When we chose to reside here permanently, we were aware that Portia couldn’t live without her horses.”

And, possibly aware of the heavy rainfall that caused floodwaters to reach their front door last year, the couple requested approval to construct a 22-meter by 39-meter facility on their property for year-round use.

The pair would have been motivated by being provided thegesture of approval for new stables earlier this year despite resistance from the local community.

However, their most recent proposal has been rejected by planning officials from West Oxfordshire District Council, who claim it would not fit well with the area’s picturesque setting and could lead to ‘unacceptable’ growth in the region.

In a harsh statement released by the council’s Planning Director, Chris Hargreaves, it was stated: ‘The planned riding arena, due to its size, location, and related construction activities, would represent an unwelcome and mismatched type of development in the open countryside and the Cotswolds National Landscape.’

The expansion would go beyond the current group of structures connected to the main house, leading to an undesirable intrusion into the open and unspoiled Upper Windrush Valley.

The project would not safeguard or improve the local scenery, would not preserve the unique character and natural beauty of the National Landscape, and would create a negative visual effect on views of the valley.

The suggestion would negatively impact the environment of the nearby Asthall Conservation Area due to its noticeable appearance, disruption of the conventional development style, and detrimental effect on the region’s countryside atmosphere.

Stronger language to come, as it claims the proposal ‘represents subpar design’.

This is despite the efforts of her planners, Fleming Architects Ltd, who submitted a ‘Landscape & Visual Impact’ report stating that the property would be “hidden by the farm structures and natural vegetation.”

The local authority’s archaeological team had no issue following their worries about the earlier stable proposal because of its impact on Roman relics.

The ecological team had several requirements, yet still approved the project, making the rejection all the more unexpected.

The television presenter’s crew was required to follow a rigorous Environmental Construction Management Plan and conduct a Biodiversity Net Gain evaluation, as well as set up bird and bat boxes and implement regulated lighting.

The television presenter’s crew was required to follow a rigorous Environmental Construction Management Plan and conduct a Biodiversity Net Gain evaluation, as well as set up bird and bat houses and implement regulated lighting.

Otherwise, they were satisfied with the thorough plans.

It is probable that Ellen will challenge this ruling or it may threaten their choice to make this place their home.

Following the purchase of the property for £15 million in 2024, the couple invested an additional £7.5 million on both exterior and interior improvements before vacating the home just under a month later in search of a more appropriate location to cater to Portia’s interest in horses.

It was put up for sale in July but did not find a buyer and has faced issues with flooding from the River Windrush, which flows through the 43-acre property.

A deal was described as ‘close’ following a reduction of £4.5 million from the original £22 million price, with the property removed from the market as part of the sale agreement.

However, even with the continuing problems, Ellen and Portia appeared poised to remain following approval to construct stables, provided certain requirements were met.

This involved a condition that the stables could only be utilized by the residents of the primary house and not for livery services, riding lessons, or any other commercial activities.

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