Jason Statham and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley have encountered an unexpected obstacle at their £20 million New Forest estate.
The Hollywood action star, 58, and the supermodel, 39, are embroiled in a planning dispute after ecologists raised concerns about proposed development work at the sprawling property.
The couple purchased the six-bedroom estate in 2024.
Its 20-acre grounds feature a boating lake, tree house, wild swimming pool and private beach, while neighbours include Ineos founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Dire Straits guitarist Mark Knopfler.
Jason Statham and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley are embroiled in a planning dispute at their £20 million New Forest estate
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However, plans for a new driveway and the conversion of part of the lake into a wildflower meadow have drawn opposition from NatureSpace Partnership.
The conservation group lodged a formal objection after determining the estate sits “within the red impact risk zone for great crested newts”, indicating a strong likelihood of protected habitat in the surrounding area.
Sarah Garratt, of NatureSpace, explained that the objection would not necessarily prevent the development from going ahead but was necessary to ensure planners had all relevant information before making a decision.
“Newts have declined an awful lot in the last 50 to 60 years.
Jason Statham
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“They are widespread but they’re really suffering – populations have declined considerably,” she said.
Ms Garratt added: “[Newts] never stop development, but if the work is having an impact [on their habitats] then it needs to be clear how it will be dealt with.”
Great crested newts are protected under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, making it illegal to disturb or damage their breeding and resting sites.
Local authorities are required to assess whether planning applications could affect newt habitats, and discoveries on development sites can result in projects being delayed or redesigned.
The Hollywood couple purchased the coastal plot for £20 million and are investing an additional £5 million into a massive custom renovation
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Rico Wojtulewicz, of the National Federation of Builders, warned that homeowners outside district licensing schemes can face additional complications, as surveys can only be carried out between March and June.
“Because the newt survey window is just a couple of months and requires a few visits, you may have to wait until the following year to have one done,” he said.
Mr Statham joins a growing list of high-profile figures whose property plans have been complicated by the protected amphibians.
Singer Ed Sheeran has previously encountered planning difficulties at his Suffolk estate, with proposals for a chapel delayed due to concerns over potential impacts on newts.
Former Prime Minister Mr Johnson also saw a 2023 application for an outdoor swimming pool at his Oxfordshire home delayed amid fears construction work could threaten a local newt population.
Despite their reputation as planning obstacles, Ms Garratt argued the species has been unfairly “vilified”.
The couple’s estate is positioned between Lymington and the Beaulieu River
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She noted that data from the Wildlife Trusts shows newts account for fewer than four per cent of all planning objections.
GB News have reached out to Jason Statham and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley for comment.