James Corden, 46, embroiled in ‘war with neighbours’ ahead of switch from London to £8m Oxfordshire home
James Corden is facing fresh property disputes as he prepares for his £8 million move to Oxfordshire.
The Gavin & Stacey star and his wife Julia Carey not only face obstacles when it comes to their new home, as they are currently embroiled in a battle with neighbours at their £11.5 million London mansion.
The 46-year-old actor is seeking permission to build an outhouse at the bottom of his garden, sparking concerns from local residents.
This comes as Corden continues to navigate planning challenges with his new Oxfordshire country house near Henley, where he plans to demolish a 1960s property.
The comedian returned to the UK last year after eight years in the United States hosting The Late Late Show.
Corden and Carey were granted permission in April 2023 to demolish the 1960s house they had purchased in Oxfordshire.
The approval came after a year-long wait, during which objections were raised by both the local council and English Heritage.
Despite these challenges, the project was eventually given the green light.
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The mid-1960s circular-shaped home has four bedrooms and a separate pool house, but has fallen into disrepair with boarded-up windows and overgrown lawns.
Wokingham Borough Council’s planning committee unanimously approved the demolition plans last January.
The scale of the operation at Corden’s Oxfordshire property is monumental, requiring the excavation of 4,977 cubic metres of soil – equivalent to two Olympic-sized swimming pools.
Adding to the complexity, archaeological work must now be conducted at the site after experts reported the area is littered with Roman and prehistoric finds.
Corden has been ordered to commission a series of test trenches across the property, potentially delaying construction by months.
A report submitted to Wokingham Borough Council identified numerous sites of interest within a kilometre of Corden’s land, including early Mesolithic flint fragments, Neolithic artifacts, and evidence of Roman settlements.
Five archaeological trenches will be dug on the site of the proposed pool house and within the footprint of the new home.
The dispute at Corden’s London home has intensified with more than 18 complaints lodged against his proposed garden outhouse.
Neighbours have expressed particular concern about sound-proofing of the structure.
One resident told the Daily Mail: “One of them plays the drums, which can often be heard on my terrace and occasionally inside my flat even with the windows closed.”
The concerned neighbour added: “What happens if they decide to move the drum kit out of the house and put it in the den?”
Another local resident described Corden’s plans as “totally unreasonable”.
The controversy marks the latest in a series of planning battles for the star across his properties.
Corden’s plans for his new Oxfordshire mansion include a two-storey five-bedroom property with luxurious features throughout.
The ground floor will feature an entrance hallway opening off a large internal courtyard, a kitchen, living room, dining room and breakfast room leading onto a terrace area.
Additional ground floor spaces include a playroom, two study areas, three bathrooms and a boot room.
The first floor will house five ensuite bedrooms, with the main bedroom boasting two ensuites and a balcony.
The property also includes a Grade II-listed Druid’s temple, gifted to a previous owner in 1788.
Originally discovered near St Helier in Jersey, the prehistoric stone-built monument was re-erected on the estate.
Plans for a replacement two-storey pool house will need to be resubmitted due to concerns about its proximity to the Druidic circle.
The project will be monitored by Berkshire Archaeology to ensure any significant archaeological deposits are properly examined.
Corden reportedly turned down a £40 million deal to remain in the US, citing “health things” as his reason for returning to the UK with his family.
The star’s property challenges continue at both his London and Oxfordshire homes, with planning hurdles and neighbour disputes complicating his return to British soil.
Despite these setbacks, Corden appears committed to creating his dream home in the quintessentially English surrounds of Henley-on-Thames after swapping sunny California for Berkshire.
