HIT movie-maker Guy Ritchie is embroiled in a row with actor Martin Clunes over plans to expand his brewery.

The British director wants to increase storage at his countryside real ale plant.


But the British Horse Society, whose president is Doc Martin star Clunes, has objected to the proposal over fears the development could stop its members using a popular riding track.

Ritchie, director of blockbuster film Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels, also intends to employ two more staff “to support the growing business”.

The Gritchie Brewery Company has produced real ale since 2017 at his £9million, 1,000-acre Wiltshire estate — bought during his marriage to Madonna.

It started as a 20-barrel brewery in a converted barn but he has told planning chiefs he faces a “pressing need for more storage space”.


Yet the BHS has made an official objection to Wiltshire Council over concerns that members could be stopped from riding on the mile-long path through his land.

It asks for assurances that the “byway will not be obstructed in any way”.

Spokeswoman Myra Bennett claims: “If he wants to close it, there would be a major legal battle — and I do not think he would succeed.”

If granted approval, Ritchie will partially demolish a semi-derelict stone barn and use its remains as a decorative space to store bottles.

Wiltshire Council is expected to give its decision in the summer.

Ritchie was contacted for a comment.

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