The Star Wars actor Warwick Davis has won a battle with his neighbours to protect his house from thieves.
He lodged plans with his local council to build a 6ft wall outside of his £7million mansion to improve security after his caravan was stolen.
But neighbours and local councillors blasted the plans for his home near Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, claiming it was too ‘harsh’ and out of keeping with the area.
The Harry Potter star then changed the plans to a Weldmesh fence, a hedge and gates which has now been approved.
The actor wanted to build a wall to boost security at his home after his caravan (pictured) was stolen
A general impression of the gate length taken from the plans for Warwick Davis’s wall in a village near Peterborough
Council case officer Debra Bell said: ‘The application seeks planning permission for a secure boundary treatment to the front of the dwelling with brick piers and gates.
‘The application has been amended since the original submission replacing the proposed brick boundary walls with Weldmesh fencing and hedge planting.
‘Officers have scrutinised the plans and have familiarised themselves with the site and surrounding area.’
But parish council clerk Janice Osborn, said: ‘The wall is harsh and totally out of keeping with neighbouring properties and brings an unsuitable urban note to a small country village.
The Harry Potter star changed his plans to a Weldmesh fence (pictured), a hedge and gates which has now been approved
Davis, 49, (pictured with his family at the Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker film premiere in London) moved to the village in 2013 so he could live in a more private neighbourhood to avoid the lime light
‘The stark wall is harmful to the appearance of the street scene.
‘The wall is higher than 1.8m and the gates even taller, these are too high.
‘The council understands the need to tidy up the existing boundary hedge and for security and would suggest that a lower, brick built (not rendered) wall would be less obtrusive, possibly with some planting in front or behind to soften it and that instead of solid gates, iron gates are considered similar to the next door property.’
Tim Alban, a Huntingdonshire district councillor, who lives nearby, also raised concerns, and said: ‘The adjacent properties are fronted by hedges and and to replace the hedge at this property would be out of keeping with the vista along this section.
The length of the structure that will be built. Davis, 49, moved to the village in 2013
‘Hedges provide a valuable natural filter against pollution.
‘If a wall is needed for security, perhaps a compromise could be that it is built within the grounds of the property, behind the hedge?’
Davis, 49, moved to the village in 2013 so he could live in a more private neighbourhood to avoid the lime light.
The actor said at the time: ‘I had fans knocking on the door at all hours wanting posters signed and pictures taken with me.
‘I’m always happy to sign autographs when I am working or out and about, but it’s not on for people to turn up at the house.
‘It’s not fair on my family.
‘So we have moved to a more rural area where no one knows us.
Shortly after building his new home, the actor’s white touring caravan was stolen in 2015
‘How long it will last before the fans find out is another matter.’
He purchased land in the village for £455,000 which at the time had a three-bedroom home on it.
But he quickly lodged plans to demolish it and build a new seven-bed pad complete with a cinema, recording booth and a lift.
Shortly after building his new home, the actor’s white touring caravan was stolen in 2015.
The 49-year-old sent out at least half a dozen messages calling for members of the public to help locate the Swift Archway Cranford 545 and begged for the ‘sentimental items’ it contains to be returned.
The council have now given the plans the go-ahead which will allow him to finally complete his dream property.
Outlining the council’s decision, Huntingdonshire Council said: ‘The proposed development is considered to be compliant with the relevant national and local policy.
‘It would not have a harmful impact upon the character and appearance of the area and would not have a significantly detrimental impact upon the amenity of neighbours.’