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Planning decision for George Harrison’s country estate

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In August last year, George’s son, Grammy award-winning musician Dhani Harrison, applied to amend approved plans at Friar Park in Henley.

The former home of the Beatles star is said to have inspired his first solo album since the band split, entitled All Things Must Pass.

READ MORE: Battle to develop Beatles legend’s estate

The mansion featured its lawn on the cover with the guitarist surrounded by four gnomes – thought by many to represent each member of the band.

Several planning applications have been approved at the mansion, including consent granted to George’s widow Olivia Harrison five years ago to build a home on a disused tennis court.

George Harrison (Image: SWNS)

It was revealed last year that Dhani had taken over projects on the site when he was granted planning permission to make changes to these plans that included adding a plant room and making alterations to the windows and openings. 

Two fresh applications were submitted to either discharge or amend conditions that had been attached to previous approvals.

This included a proposal relating to a detached single-storey maintenance building and removal of nine prefabricated buildings and containers in the grounds.

The Victorian estate was reportedly weeks away from being bulldozed when it was bought by George in 1970 when he was 27.

George and Olivia helped to transform the gardens back to their former glory into what are now regarded as some of Britain’s finest.

Friar Park has been the Harrison family home for decades, and was also where George survived being stabbed by schizophrenic Michael Abram in 1999. The attacker was later sentenced to life in a secure hospital unit.

Planning permission was granted four years ago to Olivia for a new two-bedroom oak framed home on the site of the disused tennis court.

The sign for Friar Park in Henley (Image: SWNS)

It included a kitchen diner, lounge, utility and music room on the ground floor and two bedrooms, two bathrooms and two further rooms on the first floor.

Some of the planned alterations given recent approval included adding three dragon finials, removing a clock tower, changing square windows to round ones and adding French doors.

A recording studio was used at Friar Park by George Harrison for his solo albums.

The studio was also used for work on Traveling Wilburys releases – the former Beatle was a member of the supergroup, which also featured Roy Orbison, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan and Jeff Lynne.

And recording and filming for The Beatles’ 1995 Anthology project also took place at the mansion studio.

George Harrison died of cancer aged 58 in 2001.





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Crime & Safety

Incident as glass shattered at Oxfordshire village bus stop

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Photos shows broken panes and glass across the floor at Woodlands bus shelter on the high street of Standlake village, with the cause of mess not yet known.

Local woman, Sara Willis, said today (Thursday, June 4) that they had cleaned up much of the broken glass but advised residents to “take care” when walking past.

READ MORE: Police warning as Audi SUV ‘stolen’ after Cotswolds ‘break-ins’

She added: “Please take care if you’re walking near the Woodlands bus shelter.

Broken glass at Standlake bus shelter (Image: Sara Willis)

“At some point today, the glass in the bus shelter shattered, leaving broken glass scattered across the ground.

“We’ve done our best to clear up as much of the glass as possible, but there may still be some small pieces remaining.”

Standlake Parish Council has been contacted for comment.





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Thames Water warning as incident closes Oxfordshire school

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The UK’s largest water company released a new statement just before 9pm today (Thursday, June 4), alerting residents to potential water loss amid an ongoing incident near Didcot.

Thames Water has provided updates about the incident, affecting Fulscot, the OX11 postcode, having first communicated the issue at 9.30am.

READ MORE: Primary school announces sudden closure after water emergency

A repair crew identified a burst water pipe and worked to dig down to the damaged section to carry out the repair.

However, it has proven a complex repair job – in part because of the “challenging ground conditions” – and the company has promised to provide another update tomorrow morning.

This evening, a spokesperson for Thames Water said: “Our teams remain on site and continue to excavate around the damaged water pipe.

Burst water pipe leaving Fulscot near Didcot in South Oxfordshire without water or a low water supply (Image: Thames Water)

“Due to the location of the burst and the challenging ground conditions within the field, the excavation is taking longer than originally anticipated.

“However, our teams are making steady progress and will continue working until they can safely access and repair the damaged section of pipework.”

Already the incident has proven disruptive with Hagbourne Church of England Primary School having to close suddenly today.

READ MORE: Police statement after trans rights protesters march through Oxford

The spokesperson added: “To help minimise disruption, we’ve moved water around the network to maintain supplies to customers while the repair is ongoing.

“Most customers should continue to have water, although some may experience low pressure and a temporary loss of water for short periods while work continues.

“Thank you for your continued patience while our teams work to complete these repairs.”





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UK private prep school announces major new facilities

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The investment at Cothill marks a significant milestone in the school’s sporting provision and a step forward in expanding opportunities for pupils across all year groups.

Cothill, previously known as Cothill House, is a leading co-educational prep school for pupils aged seven to 13 who attend on a daily basis or board.

READ MORE: UK prep school is praised for sport

In March, the school was named “Great for Sport” and awarded Runner-Up for “Great for SEND” in the prestigious Best of the Best Prep Schools awards by The Week magazine.

The national awards recognise excellence across the UK’s leading preparatory schools, celebrating institutions that “go above and beyond in delivering outstanding educational experiences”.

The school said it was delighted to be recognised both for sporting excellence and for exceptional support for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), adding that the accolades were a testament to the dedication of its staff and pupils.

Pupils at Cothill welcome the new astro pitch (Image: Cothill)

The new all-weather surface of artificial grass will allow pupils to train and compete in hockey on site for the first time, as well as in tennis and netball.

The facility will provide a high-quality playing surface throughout the year, supporting skill development, safer play, and increased participation in sport regardless of weather conditions.

The astro pitch will host training and inter-school fixtures, boosting the overall sporting experience for pupils and visiting teams.

The new astro pitch at Cothill school (Image: Cothill)

The development also opens up new opportunities for girls’ sport at Cothill.

The availability of an on-site astro pitch significantly expands the school’s capacity to deliver hockey and netball.

This development reflects Cothill’s ongoing commitment to widening participation and ensuring equal access to high-quality sporting facilities.

Roy Griffiths, Cothill's director of sportRory Griffiths, Cothill’s director of sport (Image: Martin Phelps)

Rory Griffiths, the school’s director of sport, said: “This is a transformative moment for sport at Cothill.

“The new astro pitch not only enhances what we can offer our pupils day to day, but also strengthens our ability to grow hockey and girls’ sport within the school community. It is an exciting step forward and one that will benefit pupils for years to come.”

The astro pitch can be used for lessons, training sessions, and fixtures immediately.

Last year, Cothill and Chandlings Prep in Kennington became part of the Radley Schools Group, in conjunction with Radley School.

Cothill headteacher George May said at the time: “These are the most exciting developments in Cothill’s 150-year history.

“We are delighted that Radley recognises the shared values of resilience and purpose that underpin the educational provision at Cothill, and the commitment we have to a protected childhood, whilst preparing children for senior schools all around the UK.”





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