Ellen DeGeneres faces council rejection for riding arena plans

In the United Kingdom, Ellen DeGeneres faced a setback when her proposal to construct a large riding arena at her Cotswolds estate was rejected by local planning officials. The council's decision came after DeGeneres submitted plans for an 'all weather' venue intended for her wife, Portia De Rossi, who is passionate about horses. The couple had moved to Britain in November 2024 and had previously received approval for new stables on their property, which they purchased for £15 million. However, the council deemed the proposed arena too large and out of character with the surrounding landscape, citing concerns about its visual impact on the Cotswolds National Landscape and the adjacent Asthall Conservation Area. The council's Head of Planning, Chris Hargreaves, criticized the design as 'poor-quality' and stated that it would not enhance the local landscape. Despite the rejection, the couple had been granted permission for stables earlier in the year, which they hoped would support Portia's equestrian interests. The council's ecology team had previously approved the stables with conditions, but the arena proposal faced significant opposition. Ellen and Portia's plans to settle in the area may now be jeopardized as they consider appealing the council's decision. The couple had invested an additional £7.5 million in renovations after purchasing the property, which has faced challenges such as flooding from the River Windrush. The ongoing issues with the estate have raised questions about their long-term plans in the Cotswolds.