Ed Sheeran Swims in Controversial Pool at His Home

Ed Sheeran has stirred tensions with his neighbors after posting a video of himself jumping into a wildlife pond on his £3.7 million estate in Suffolk. Originally built in 2017 with the stipulation that it would not be used for recreational purposes, the pond has been a source of contention. Although Sheeran won an appeal allowing him to swim in the pond, local residents expressed concerns that it would encourage a "wild lifestyle" in the area. The planning application for the pond emphasized its role in nature conservation, aiming to create a habitat for various species, including dragonflies and water beetles. The installation, which cost around £500,000, features two sets of steps and was completed by Gartenart, a company specializing in wild swimming pools. Despite previous complaints in 2019 regarding the pond's use, officials found no evidence of swimming activities, although a Romany gypsy caravan converted into a sauna was discovered nearby. Sheeran, who owns an extensive property portfolio valued at approximately £200 million, has been gradually expanding his land in Suffolk, creating what locals refer to as "Sheeranville." The singer's relationship with his neighbors has been strained, particularly after a 2022 dispute with neighbor Anthony Robinson, who faced opposition from Sheeran regarding his plans to extend his garden. The ongoing issues surrounding the wildlife pond continue to highlight the complexities of celebrity living in close-knit communities.