Hollywood star Kate Winslet has applied for permission to replace two sets of deteriorating wooden gates at her Grade II-listed seaside home in West Wittering, Sussex, as concerns over coastal erosion and flooding continue to affect the area. The actress, best known for starring in Titanic, wants to install more durable timber gates at the historic property, which she purchased for £3.25 million in 2013, according to a report by the Daily Mail.The proposed changes come as Winslet looks to protect and maintain her coastal residence, which is reportedly now worth around £5 million. The house, shared by the actress and her husband, Edward Abel Smith, dates back to the early 18th century and was built during the reign of Queen Anne.
Why Kate Winslet wants to replace the gates at her seaside property
According to the planning application, the existing wooden gates have deteriorated after years of exposure to the salty sea air. Winslet has proposed replacing two sets of gates, one facing the house and another overlooking the waterfront, with specially treated timber designed to withstand the harsh coastal conditions.The architects representing the actress have described the proposed material as highly resistant to decay and more durable than conventional wood. The application states: “In this exposed, salt-laden position the gates would stay in good condition for considerably longer than a conventional timber gate, with minimal maintenance.”Under the proposal, the harbour-side entrance would be widened from approximately 1.15 metres to 1.5 metres. This would require a 1.2-metre section of hedge to be removed, relocated by around 1.8 metres and replanted with native species, including holly, wild privet and hawthorn.Both sets of gates would retain their existing heights, measuring 1.65 metres for the pair facing the house and 1.8 metres for those overlooking the waterfront.
Kate Winslet’s home is in a high-risk flood zone
Kate Winslet purchased the West Wittering property for £3.25 million in 2013, and it is now valued at around £5 million. (Photo: Google Maps)
The proposed gate replacement comes against the backdrop of growing concerns about flooding and coastal erosion in West Wittering and neighbouring areas. Winslet’s property is situated in Flood Zone 3, the highest flood-risk category.The surrounding coastline has experienced erosion and deterioration of sea defences, prompting local authorities to invest millions of pounds in protective measures. In nearby Selsey, a coastal defence scheme covering 4.5 kilometres of coastline has been proposed to protect approximately 3,900 properties over the next century against rising sea levels and increasingly frequent storms.Earlier this year, council officials reportedly warned that erosion had left some sea defences with less than two-and-a-half years of their expected lifespan remaining. In June, local media reported that councillors had agreed to seek an additional £1.2 million to help protect homes and businesses in Selsey and the Witterings from flooding and coastal erosion.Last December, the council also approved plans to deposit 400 tonnes of shingle on Ella Nore Spit in West Wittering. The measure was intended to protect the saltmarsh behind it after waves washed over the narrow section of the spit.
Kate Winslet’s previous attempts to protect her coastal home
Kate Winslet has proposed using specially treated timber that is more resistant to decay caused by salty sea air. (Photo: YouTube)
This is not the first time Winslet has sought permission for work aimed at protecting her property from the effects of the sea. In 2015, the actress withdrew an application to construct a sea barrier measuring approximately 170 metres along the property.Two years later, she received permission to install 150 metres of new timber sea defences on the foreshore.The Environment Agency has reportedly raised no objection to her latest gate proposal. However, it has reminded the applicant that any work taking place within 16 metres of a sea defence could require a separate environmental permit.The planning agents have maintained that the proposed changes would not affect the property’s historic features. They stated that “no historic fabric is affected” and that the development would cause “no harm to the significance of the designated heritage asset”.A section of public footpath forming part of the King Charles III England Coast Path runs between the two sets of gates. The application states that the proposed work would not obstruct walkers. It also confirms that no additional features, such as security cameras, external lighting or intercom systems, are being proposed.
More renovation work planned at Kate Winslet’s £5 million home
The gate replacement application is the latest in a series of renovation and improvement projects at Winslet’s eight-bedroom coastal residence, which offers panoramic views across Chichester Harbour.In April, the council approved several proposed changes to the interiors of the property. These included removing the basement swimming pool and replacing it with a gym, along with new steps and a glass door.The renovation plans also include removing modern fittings, cupboards and partition walls in a playroom. Two first-floor en-suite bathrooms are set to be removed to restore an earlier bedroom layout, while a second-floor family bathroom will be converted into an en-suite. Two second-floor windows that are beyond repair will also be replaced.In July, Winslet secured retrospective permission to use an existing outbuilding and shed as a gym, storage space and annexe. More recently, in September, she received approval to redecorate the property’s windows, doors, gutters and balcony railings.The latest application to replace the gates adds to the ongoing efforts to maintain the historic home while addressing the challenges posed by its exposed coastal location.
