BBC producer-turned vegan entrepreneur plunges into planning row with neighbours after applying to build swimming pool at 17th Century second home her family has rented out to large groups

  • Ophelia and Jolyon Froud submitted plans to build pool at home in Dorset
  • Villagers say the swimming pool is being built too close to their own gardens
  • The Frouds have rented out the 17th-century second home to large groups 

A vegan entrepreneur and her husband have plunged into a planning row with local villagers after applying to build a pool at their 17th-century home which they have rented out for large groups.

Ophelia Froud, a former BBC TV producer, and her husband Jolyon submitted plans to build a pool on the boundary with their neighbours’ gardens.

Parish councillors voted down the plans amid claims that ‘pool parties’ would disrupt the peace of Burton Bradstock, in the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Opponents also questioned why the pool and pool house had to be located on the garden boundary close to other houses. Dorset Council will make the final decision on the plan.

The Frouds, both 51, bought the Rookery in 2007 and were granted planning permission for a pool in 2008 in the seven-acre grounds.

However, their submission was accepted on condition that they build the pool nearer to their listed home, according to the Times.

Ophelia Froud, a former BBC TV producer, and her husband Jolyon submitted plans to build a pool on the boundary with their neighbours’ gardens

Parish councillors voted down the plans amid claims that ‘pool parties’ would disrupt the peace of Burton Bradstock, in the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

They listed the property as the Old Monastery on the Unique Homestays letting website at an off-season starting price of £3,700 a week for up to 12 people. The listing has since disappeared.

In a Zoom call last week, Mr Froud, a property investor, reportedly accused opponents of reporting him to police for allegedly flouting lockdown rules at Christmas after his family travelled to the home. 

He moved to quash fears the pool would be used for parties, insisting his family would want to ‘relax in a tranquil environment’ – and added that they have contributed to the local area by breeding ducks.  

Villagers claimed that the zinc and timber pool house would cause ‘irreparable’ damage to the area.

Opponents also questioned why the pool and pool house had to be located on the garden boundary close to other houses. Dorset Council will make the final decision on the plan

The Frouds, both 51, bought the Rookery in 2007 and were granted planning permission for a pool in 2008 in the seven-acre grounds. However, their submission was accepted on condition that they build the pool nearer to their listed home

Roger Ashman, chairman of the Burton Bradstock Society, said: ‘The site is surrounded by centuries-old cottages with thatched roofs. Zinc and timber doesn’t sound like the best design. 

‘And it is so close to all the neighbours.’ 

Mrs Froud runs a company called Glowcation, which claims to be the ‘ultimate gateway to a plant-based and vegan life’.

A spokesman for the family told the Times: ‘The Frouds have owned the property in Burton Bradstock for 13 years, during which time they have had very good relations with neighbours.

‘The pool is only intended for relaxation purposes, not parties. The couple are happy to make clear they will not be renting out the property in the future.’   

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