The former chat show host and her partner Portia De Rossi have submitted plans to build the arena as their horses often can’t use the site in the winter, due to flooding from a river that runs through the property.

The pair had revealed their intention to stay ‘long-term’ at Kitesbridge Farm near Burford, having bought the site for £15 million in 2024 and done it up for a reported further £7.5 million.

Ellen DeGeneres has submitted plans for horse stables to stay ‘long term’ at her flood-hit Cotswolds home (Image: Tom Wren / SWNS)

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But they moved out after less than a month, in the hope of finding something more suitable to accommodate Portia’s passion for horse riding.

The 43 acre home was listed last July, but failed to attract a buyer and was plagued by flooding from the River Windrush.

Planning documents submitted last month for new stables suggest they now have ambitions to stay in the Cotswolds longer term, if their planning bids are successful – a big ‘if’, as battles are ongoing over Roman remains.

Ellen DeGeneres has submitted plans for horse stables to stay ‘long term’ at her flood-hit Cotswolds home (Image: Tom Wren / SWNS)

Now, a new application has been made to build an all-weather arena outside of the Windrush flood zone so that they can keep their horses on site.

Both applications are still under consideration with West Oxfordshire District Council.

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Ms DeGeneres’ representatives said of the arena plan: “The applicant’s horses are on site in temporary accommodation formed in the garaging in an existing barn pending the determination of (the stables application).

“In order to provide a suitable flat all-weather arena for exercising the horses this application has been made.

Ellen DeGeneres has submitted plans for horse stables to stay ‘long term’ at her flood-hit Cotswolds home (Image: Tom Wren / SWNS)

“The surrounding land does have some flat areas where the horses can be exercised in summer months – but it is also adjacent to the River Windrush, so for the winter and other wet times the opportunities for exercise are more limited.

“The choices then are daily movements to and from the site to exercise elsewhere – or to provide a modest facility on site.

Ellen DeGeneres has submitted plans for horse stables to stay ‘long term’ at her flood-hit Cotswolds home (Image: Tom Wren / SWNS)

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“The chosen location would be immediately adjacent to the stables building to the rear of the property where it would be seen in the context of the existing undulating topography and the backdrop of the existing buildings – in the fullness of time the proposed new stable building.”

Her representatives said the surrounding land is used to graze horses or farmed by others and there was no need for their own agricultural building for storage.

The application was also accompanied by flooding photographs taken from April 2023 that they said “show how the lower-lying fields in the vicinity of the site do not provide suitable opportunities for exercising horses at certain times of the year.

Locals have been warned by Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service about Haier-manufactured tumble dryers today (Friday, May 1).

A statement from the service said: “Urgent safety check for 85,000 tumble dryers.

“Households with specific tumble dryers manufactured by Haier must check if their machine needs an urgent safety repair.

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“Please go to: https://www.gov.uk/…/urgent-safety-check-for-85000… to check if yours is on the list.

“It will be good to also visit: https://www.gov.uk/…/haier-heat-pump-tumble-dryer… for information on the Corrective Action Programme for Haier Heat Pump Tumble Dryers presenting a serious risk of fire.”

This follows a similar notice back in December 2025, as Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service issued a warning to residents about tumble dryers.

The statement said: “We have been made aware of a fault affecting Haier Heat Pump Tumble Dryers.

“Haier has resumed its corrective action programme after updating the modification. Repairs are now being arranged for the remaining 85,000 affected machines.

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“Affected brands include Baumatic, Candy, Caple, Haier, Hoover, Iberna, Lamona and Montpellier.

“Stop using the appliance immediately and unplug it if possible. Check the model and serial number online using the official links below.

“Contact the manufacturer to arrange a repair.”

This came after UK residents were warned by the Office for Product Safety and Standards about the tumble dryer fault.

According to the government department, that is responsible for the safety of consumer products, a total of 85,000 integrated heat pump tumble dryers made by Haier are affected by the problem.

It can cause the machine to catch alight, and owners have been told to stop using them immediately.

Landlords can presently impose blanket bans on the keeping of pets in private rental properties – without providing a justifiable reason.

But as of today, more people than ever in England have the opportunity to own an animal. 

That is all changing today thanks to the Renters Rights Act, which will give all tenants in the private rented sector the legal right to request keeping a pet, with such requests unable to be unreasonably refused by landlords.

The change comes as the RSPCA faces a capacity crisis – with many of its animal centres “full to bursting”. 

But the new legislation will mean many more families will have a chance to adopt pets – in a move which could “revolutionise” pet ownership numbers in England.

David Bowles, Head of Public Affairs at the RSPCA, said: “This is an historic day for pet ownership.

“For too long, renters in England have been unfairly denied the potential joy of pet ownership.

“That ends thanks to this new law.

“This change is a lifeline – not just for families wanting to add a loving pet to the household, but for the many thousands of animals currently stuck in many full-to-bursting centres, who will now have many new opportunities to find loving adopters.

“Pet ownership is such a big commitment – but can be so rewarding.

“At the RSPCA, we are celebrating that the Renters’ Rights Act will facilitate happier, healthier tenants right across the country – and help us tackle a pet rehoming crisis.”

In recent weeks, the RSPCA has been working with the UK Government to highlight what the new law could mean for prospective pet owners.

And the new legislation also means many existing pet owners will no longer face the heartbreaking choice between keeping their beloved animal and getting a new roof over their heads.

David added: “There are gut-wrenching examples of people having to surrender their pets to access somewhere to live, because their tenancy agreement will not allow pets.

“Thankfully, those situations too will soon be a thing of the past.”

Do you have problems owning a pet? Let us know in the comments