STAR STRUCK
‘Cate Blanchett ruined our holiday and cost us £60,000,’ cry furious neighbours as A-list Hollywood star builds eco-home
The Hollywood star has been accused of a "total disregard" for local people
LORD of The Rings star Cate Blanchett cost a holiday let business "£60,000" thanks to building work, it is claimed.
The Aussie, 54, is building an eco-home on the site of an old cottage in Cornwall that she purchased and demolished in 2020.
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But Karen Burgess, who owns a neighbouring holiday let, says noise from the site last year had all but "destroyed" her guests' vacations.
Karen, who lives near Newquay, told CornwallLive: "We are having to advertise as a property effected by building noise.
"Never before in the bay have we ever experienced such a blatant disregard for the people who flock here for their holidays and residents' enjoyment of the area during the holiday season."
Blanchett and husband Andrew Upton, an Australian screenwriter, got planning permission to build a four-bed, modern home in September 2022.
With an additional bedroom in an outhouse, the home was designed to blend into the landscape and there has been little objection to its overall look.
But in November last year, Situ8, acting on behalf of the couple, submitted a further application to change an additional plot of land purchased by the pair in 2021.
They want to turn a small part of that land into a new entrance to their home with car parking.
The move will result in further ground-works in the area if approved and more noise for locals, it is claimed.
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In her objection last month, Ms Burgess said: "I am deeply concerned that there has already been a total disregard for the noise that has destroyed the family holidays of all my guests at [Ms Burgess' property] throughout 2023."
Video shared by objectors claims to show loud construction machinery and works during development of the home.
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Despite local upset, Blanchett's architects Watershedd claim the noise is not coming from the property Mr Burgess thinks it is.
Ms Burgess also called on the council to "severely restrict" the days when work can take place if planning is approved and, like other objectors, feared the loss of more green space.
Situ8 insist the new entrance is "vital", adding that around "86 percent" of the meadow locals are concerned of losing will be retained, with plans to improve and maintain it.
A spokesperson for Watershedd added: "Throughout the whole process of the build on our clients’ property, we have been in regular communication with friendly and accommodating neighbours to ensure that they are aware of works starting, and to alleviate any concerns regarding usual or anticipated construction noise or disturbances."
It comes as Oscar winner Cate and hubby Andrew sold their stylish three-bed, two-bath, Melbourne home for more than $3million this month.
The pair carried out a major redesign on the Australian property after purchasing it in 2006 for $745,000, The Age reports.
Cate shot to fame in 1997 for her role in romantic drama Oscar and Lucinda opposite Ralph Fiennes.
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She went on to play elf leader Galadriel in all three of Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings films, one of the most successful film franchises of all time.
The actress was approached for comment.
NOISEY NEIGHBOURS
Nuisance noise is any loud or persistent noise that causes you ongoing concern or affects your quality of life.
Being forced to tolerate this constantly or even intermittently can be exhausting.
It can also make people feel isolated, helpless and unable to relax in their own homes.
Construction companies and contractors must by law take all reasonable steps to control noise and work within certain times, usually from 7.30am to 6pm.
If they want to work outside these times they must apply for a special permit from the local council.
Your local council should be your first contact for reporting nuisance noise as this isn’t usually a matter for the police.
Source: Devon & Cornwall Police
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