British actress, Kate Winslet, wants to build a 150-meter long seawall outside her luxury mansion in the south of England to protect it from flooding, despite complaints from environmentalists and conservationists that it could damage wildlife in the area.
After the plan attracted criticism in 2015, Ms. Winslet abandoned the idea despite it being granted approval by the Environment Agency, which is responsible for flood protection.
Natural England had opposed the move, claiming it would harm protected rare bird breeding grounds close to the 17-century home in West Sussex.
The blonde showbiz star has since revived the proposal in a bid to protect the house, which was bought in 2013 for £3.2 million (US$4.19 million) over fears it could be damaged if the River Solent burst its banks.
Her consultants insist in their planning application to Chichester council that any work would not interfere with any of the special scientific sites around the harbor area or detract from its natural beauty.
Photographs submitted as part of the application reveal that a boardwalk and public footpath have already been partly eroded by the sea.
"Although the primary function of the proposed works is to provide a new sea defense structure to the homeowner, this project will secure the future maintenance and use of the well-used public footpath along the edge of Chichester harbor," a statement to the local authority said.
The outcome of the planning application is expected before the end of November although work is not intended to begin until next spring.
Ms. Winslet lives in the property with her husband, Ned Rocknroll, the nephew of Sir Richard Branson, and her three children.
