The plans to alter Coldham Hall in Suffolk were rejected as the work required drilling holes into wall panelling
Matthew Vaughn and Claudia Schiffer's plans to move plug sockets in their Grade 1 listed home, Coldham Hall, have been rejected(Image credit: Alamy)
Matthew Vaughn has been forced to abandon plans to install new plug sockets into oak panels in their Grade 1 listed home.
Argylle director, Vaughn, 53, and his supermodel wife and actress, Claudia Schiffer, 53, planned to replace four new plug sockets into their 16th-century home, Coldham Hall in Suffolk.
The couple claimed the existing sockets were a "significant hazard" due to their positioning on the floor and so they sought listed building consent to install them into wall panels, but West Suffolk Council rejected the application as it could not be determined if the panelling was historically significant.
What are the plans for Coldham Hall?
Matthew Vaughn and Claudia Schiffer planned to cut out holes into panelling in Coldham Hall to move their existing plug sockets(Image credit: Getty Images)
The celebrity pair aimed to install four new plug sockets into the existing timber panelling inside the listed building they bought in 2002.
The work required cutting out approximately four 65x65mm holes for each outlet to replace existing plug sockets.
The location of the proposed works are referred to as being within the first floor family room in which the walls of the room are finished in oak panelling, although it is not clear whether the panelling is historic.
Celebs cite safety concerns from existing sockets
The couple stated the existing sockets were a hazard due to their positioning and were also "unsightly".
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The sockets are currently located within the floorboards, which the couple argued in a statement meant it was "vulnerable to anything spilled on to the floor" and also that trailing cables connected to the socket were "a significant trip hazard".
The couple also proposed moving the sockets as they were "restricting positioning of furniture" due to their awkward positioning.
Coldham Hall was built for Robert Rookwood in the late 16th century built in an E shaped plan using red brick and burnt header diaper work(Image credit: Getty Images)
Why were the plans rejected?
The council rejected the application stating the safety concerns could easily be avoided and that there were no "benefits to outweigh the harm caused".
Claire Johnson, Senior Conservation Officer for West Suffolk Council, stated: "It is appreciated the existing arrangement may not be the most ideal from the current users perspective but given the assumed significance of the room it is likely compromises will be required particularly where alternative less harmful options (such as the current arrangement) are available."
The council stated the issues around spillage could be addressed with an alternative water resistant socket and as the sockets are located around the edge of the room the hazard of trailing cables could be easily avoided.
Historic England opposed the works stating: "Based on stylistic evidence provided with the application the panelling would appear to be contemporary with the house and making interventions into it would result in harm to significant historic fabric. As there are sockets already present in the floor, there is little justification for making further interventions."
As the age of the panelling was not determined the impact to the historic significance of the house could not be determined but it was ultimately ruled: "In the absence of any public benefits I do not believe there would be any benefits to outweigh the harm caused."
Ms Schiffer and Mr Vaughn decided to abandon the plans and withdraw the application.
News Editor Joseph has previously written for Today’s Media and Chambers & Partners, focusing on news for conveyancers and industry professionals. Joseph has just started his own self build project, building his own home on his family’s farm with planning permission for a timber frame, three-bedroom house in a one-acre field. The foundation work has already begun and he hopes to have the home built in the next year. Prior to this he renovated his family's home as well as doing several DIY projects, including installing a shower, building sheds, and livestock fences and shelters for the farm’s animals. Outside of homebuilding, Joseph loves rugby and has written for Rugby World, the world’s largest rugby magazine.
