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Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s Ohio neighbors fight to stop landscape plans for new home: ‘Animals need places to have sex’
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s revised landscaping plans for their lakefront home in Bratenahl, Ohio, were unanimously approved by the village’s Architectural Review Board. The decision settles a local dispute over privacy measures and wildlife, with residents divided between concerns about the plans and support for welcoming the couple.
About 35 people attended Tuesday’s meeting, where objections focused on proposed 10-foot shrubs, which resident Lucy Weller said would not provide suitable food or cover for local wildlife. The approved plans also include updated brickwork; the couple had already received permission for a six-foot privacy fence in September. They bought the eight-bedroom, 11-bathroom property for $5.35 million in March, and reportedly do not plan to use it as their main residence.
In short
- Bratenahl approved Swift and Kelce’s revised landscaping plans.
- The plan includes 10-foot shrubs and updated brickwork.
- Residents raised concerns about wildlife and privacy.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Residents opposing the landscaping can argue that tall, dense shrubs may reduce habitat quality if they offer little food or shelter for local wildlife. The review board’s role is to consider how private property changes affect the surrounding environment and neighbourhood, even when the owners’ privacy concerns are understandable.
The case against
Supporters can argue that the owners are entitled to reasonable privacy at their home, and that landscaping is a less intrusive way to provide it than more substantial barriers. They may also see the approved plans as a matter for the village’s review process, which unanimously found them acceptable, while welcoming the couple’s presence in the community.
Explained simply
Bratenahl is a village on the shore of Lake Erie, near Cleveland, where local rules give an Architectural Review Board a role in approving changes to some properties. Landscaping can become a public issue when it affects neighbours’ views, privacy or the local environment.
Taylor Swift is a singer and Travis Kelce is an American football player; the couple bought a large home in the village. Their property plans have drawn attention from nearby residents, including people concerned about whether new planting would provide food and shelter for wildlife.