TV’s Sarah Beeny in her own restoration nightmare over row with council

Sarah Beeny, who has made a career advising would-be developers, turned the story of her efforts to turn Rise Hall, near Hornsea, into a wedding and events venue into a Channel 4 show.

The house was last used as a convent over 20 years ago, before being bought in a dilapidated state a decade ago by Ms Beeny and her husband Graham Swift.

The project involved battling dry rot and rising damp, an acre of leaking roof and 149 rotting sash windows. The pair have since applied for a certificate of lawful development, which would formalise its use as a house.

Councillor Matthew Grove wants the application heard in public and says: “I find myself on the wrong end of the argument with many of my residents who have to jump through incredible hoops to get permission for simple alterations and extensions to modest dwellings.

“But this is an important Grade- II listed building, which has been through a significant programme of repair, restoration and alteration all without listed consent, planning permission or building regulations approval.”

Beeny’s agent said she still wanted to maintain Rise Hall as a home and wedding venue.

East Riding Council said her application was being considered and a decision would be made in due course. Any other planning related matters would be considered in the light of that decision.”

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