Ed Sheeran has reignited controversy around a “wildlife pond” he built in the garden of his Suffolk mansion, after sharing a video showing him bombing into the water in his swimming trunks after taking a run and sauna.
The 33-year-old pop star applied to build the kidney-shaped pond on his estate in several years ago, angering some neighbours who felt it could be used as a swimming pool.
Planning documents said it would “support nature conservation” and the application was approved on the basis it was used for wildlife and not for swimming or any other recreational leisure activity.
The council re-inspected the water feature in 2019 after objections were raised over the inclusion of a jetty, two sets of steps and a handrail, but the council concluded there had been no planning breach.
Sheeran went on to successfully appeal the ban on swimming and other leisure activities, after he argued it was unreasonable and unnecessary.
However, the singer’s recent Instagram video showing “a day in the life”, which included a short clip showing him running and bombing into the water has now irritated some neighbours all over again.
The video is accompanied by a voice-over by record producer Benny Blanco, who says as Sheeran jumps in: “Wee, now I’m in the water, ah yeah, life’s so fun”.
One neighbour who wished to remain anonymous told MailOnline they were “not particularly happy about what is going on,” and felt the singer was “taking the mick”.
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They went on: “It’s completely ruined our outlook and everything. We are no longer happy here and we feel like we have lost a lot. He might be Mr Nice Guy to everyone else, but he just does what he likes.”
In 2021, Sheeran said he didn’t understand the controversy over his property, telling Hits Radio that “people need to mind their own business”.
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He said he had planted 14,000 trees around the estate and allowed the meadow to grow, increasing the amount of wildlife in the area.
Sheeran lives on the multimillion-pound estate – which has been dubbed “Sheeranville” – in Framlingham, Suffolk, with his wife Cherry Seaborn and two daughters.
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Sky News has contacted Ed Sheeran and East Suffolk District Council for comment.
