One side it sounds like celeb doing something useful with old property,but other side,local people also had their worries and that part cannot be brushed off.
Rupert Grint has now got full planning approval to build eco-village on his property in Kimpton,Hertfordshire . North Herts Council gave permission on June 10,2026,allowing Kimpton Grange to be turned into sustainable living space with six apartments and nine additional homes .
And tbh,that is not small change for one quiet area ah . Kimpton Grange is former vicarage which Grint bought in 2009,and he had tried selling it in 2018 for estimated £6 million . But after that did not work out,focus shifted in 2022 towards developing eco-village instead.
But approval did not come without pushback . Local residents had raised concerns about possible impact on surrounding woodland and wildlife,which honestly sounds fair also . When any big housing plan comes near green space,people will obviously ask what happens to trees,birds,animals and general peace of area .
Still,council's Planning Committee decided in favour of project after looking at plans . Clear Architects described it as “truly outstanding and innovative,” and project is being presented as something that will support sustainable living while also helping local community.
Few things standing out clearly in this plan:
- Grint is required to contribute almost £200,000 towards local infrastructure,including schools and community facilities.
- Development aims for carbon neutrality .
- Plans include public parks,recreational areas,circular walk and picnic area for public .
And this is where story becomes slightly mixed . On paper,eco-village sounds positive because housing is needed,and if it comes with public park,walkway and picnic area,locals may actually get something useful too . But same time,once construction starts,real impact on woodland and wildlife will be seen only then.
There is also that celebrity angle here . When famous person backs sustainable housing,people notice more,and maybe that helps push better ideas into mainstream . But it also raises question of whether project is genuinely community-first or just very polished planning language.
For now,Rupert Grint has permission,North Herts Council has approved it,and Kimpton Grange may soon become this carbon neutral eco-village . Whether local residents eventually feel happy about it or feel they were right to worry… that part is still hanging there…
