Ed Sheeran wins planning battle to build 'Noah's Ark'

Ed Sheeran has finally won planning permission to build a “prayer retreat” in the grounds of his country estate.

The Castle On The Hill singer had previously been denied his application to build the chapel at his home in Framlingham, Suffolk, on the grounds that it would create "the impression of a second village church".

So Sheeran has resubmitted plans for a boat-shaped outbuilding to “address an important need for a private place of retreat for contemplation and prayer, for celebration of key life and family milestones, family and social gatherings, marriages, christenings and so forth”.

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The application adds: “It would also allow the applicant's family, friends and colleagues to be able [to] enjoy these things and join them in their observance.”

East Suffolk Council has granted permission for the new plans, designed by Donald Insall Associates, an architect firm specialising in historic buildings that has worked on Windsor Castle and the Royal Opera House.

The planning application also states: “The applicant has as his guests and visiting colleagues, people from around the world. Many of these people are from many countries, faiths and customs, including for example the USA, Ireland, Ghana, Nigeria, Asia and Australia.

“Thus, the applicant seeks to provide a space in which he, his family and these different people can retreat for contemplation, prayer and relaxation, to meet, celebrate and meditate in peace and safety from disturbance.”

Sheeran, 28, is estimated to be worth £170m. He grew up in Framlingham and now owns six properties in a nearby village that has come to be dubbed Sheeranville by neighbours.

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The Thinking Out Loud singer secretly married his childhood sweetheart Cherry Seaborn – who he met at school in Suffolk – in December 2018. It was thought they had hoped to marry in the chapel before the original plans were rejected in June last year.

Sheeran recently announced he is planning to take a year off and would love to start a family.

He said in June: "I'm starting a life with Cherry. I can't spend the next 20 years on the road.

"Kids would be the different thing. I wouldn't mind sacrificing for them.

"If someone told me you can't tour again for the next 10 years if you have kids that is fine, because that is what I have signed up for.

"I've already achieved more than I thought I would, so now I'm just trying to have fun."