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John Taylor seeks approval for Pilates studio at Wiltshire manor house
Duran Duran bassist John Taylor, 66, has applied to build a Pilates studio and sauna on the grounds of his Wiltshire manor house after moving back to Britain following 30 years in California. The plans would turn unused or dilapidated outbuildings into a home fitness suite, bringing modern wellness facilities to the historic estate.
The proposed studio would occupy a 1970s workshop, while the sauna would go in an unused 19th-century pavilion; both buildings would be renovated, with changes including a new stone roof and altered access. Taylor’s agents say the work would respect the property’s heritage, and no neighbours have objected. Surveys found three bat species on the estate, however, and Wiltshire Council’s ecologist has objected pending details on their roosts and the impact of the work; the council has not yet decided the application.
In short
- John Taylor plans a Pilates studio and sauna at his Wiltshire manor.
- The plans reuse outbuildings on the historic estate.
- Bat concerns have prompted an objection pending more information.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Converting unused or dilapidated outbuildings into a modest home fitness suite could make practical use of the estate while repairing and maintaining its buildings. Taylor’s agents say the changes would respect the manor’s heritage, and the lack of neighbour objections may suggest limited local concern; approval could be reasonable if the plans also protect wildlife.
The case against
The estate’s historic character and the bats’ habitats could be harmed by alterations to the pavilion, workshop or access, even if the buildings are currently unused. With three bat species recorded and the council ecologist seeking further evidence about their roosts and the work’s effects, withholding approval until those impacts are understood would be a responsible way to protect wildlife and heritage.
Explained simply
Planning permission is required for building work that changes how a property or its outbuildings are used. Councils assess applications against planning rules, including the effect on nearby residents, wildlife and the character of historic places.
Wiltshire Council is responsible for deciding applications in its area, with advice from specialists such as its ecologist. Bats and their roosts are protected by law, so surveys and plans for avoiding harm can be relevant when work is proposed near them.
John Taylor is the bassist in Duran Duran, a British band formed in the late 1970s. The plans concern two outbuildings on his Wiltshire estate, one dating from the 1970s and the other from the 19th century.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “A View to a Chill: Duran Duran star John Taylor is back in Britain after 30 years in California – and wants to build a pilates studio at his historic manor house home”.