Harry Potter star Rupert Grint wins bid to build eco-village

Harry Potter star Rupert Grint has been given permission to build an eco-village on land he owns. North Herts Council granted full planning permission on 10 June for the actor to convert Kimpton Grange in Kimpton, Hertfordshire, into six apartments and to build an additional nine homes within the wider estate. The authority's Planning Committee approved outline planning permission for the work at a meeting in 2024, despite concerns from residents that it could harm woodland and wildlife. As part of the final planning permission, the actor, who played Ron Weasley in the film adaptations of the JK Rowling novels, will be required to pay almost £200,000 towards local infrastructure. This figure included £100,000 to Kimpton Parish Council, £70,000 to the expansion of Katherine Warington School, and £11,400 for school places for children with learning difficulties. The 37-year-old bought Kimpton Grange, a former vicarage, in 2009 but failed to sell it for an estimated price of £6m in 2018 before putting forward plans for the eco-village in 2022. Clear Architects said the plans were "truly outstanding and innovative" and will ensure a "carbon neutral" development. They included a gift of land to the parish council, which will become a park and circular walk with a picnic area for members of the public, according to Local Democracy Reporting Service.