Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi have received approval to build horse stables at their countryside estate in England after months of local scrutiny. The decision comes with strict planning conditions following objections from nearby residents and conservation groups over the proposed development.
Sources claim Ellen DeGeneres’ attitude is a roadblock for the neighbors
West Oxfordshire District Council has approved plans for all-weather horse stables at the couple’s reported $29 million Cotswolds property. According to reports, the approval allows construction to move forward only if several conditions are met. An archaeologist must be present during the work because the proposed site is located near historic Roman remains, including the remains of an ancient bridge, road and villa. The council also ruled that the stables can only be used by people living on the property.
Residents previously objected to the project, citing both planning concerns and the area’s historical significance. One source claimed Ellen’s approach to the process had frustrated some neighbors, alleging that “Ellen has this attitude that the rules don’t apply to her.” The reported disagreement over the stables follows earlier planning issues involving the property. Last year, neighbors reportedly contacted local authorities after alleging the couple carried out work on an extension without obtaining the necessary permissions.
Sources familiar with the matter said DeGeneres and de Rossi, who have bought and sold more than 30 homes in the United States, have encountered a different planning system since relocating to England in 2024. According to one insider, development projects in the UK often involve stricter regulations, detailed applications and more extensive approval processes than similar projects in the U.S. Reports suggest the planning dispute has contributed to tensions with some residents, although the council has now approved the stable project subject to its conditions.
Despite settling in the Cotswolds, reports indicate DeGeneres and de Rossi may not spend all of their time in England. The couple recently purchased a home in Montecito, California, and are reportedly planning to split their time between the U.S. and the UK.
Originally reported by Khushali Srivastava on Reality Tea
