Rick Stein: "a nice chap"

Plans for the modern home, with walkways and a turret, have been submitted to North Cornwall District Council by architects.

But neighbours are up in arms over the plans, and many have written letters of objection to the council as well as signing a petition.

An existing house would have to be demolished to make way for the new home.

It would be lovely somewhere else Gill Rickard, Padstow resident

Neighbour Gill Rickard, who lives opposite the site in a 350-year-old cottage, said on Saturday: "The plans are dreadful, it would be about eight feet away from us.

"It would be like the Berlin Wall and would completely block out the sun," she said.

She said no one would have had any objection if the existing house was replaced "like for like".

But the planned home "would just totally cover a beautiful green piece of land".

"It would be lovely somewhere else," said Mrs Rickard of the proposed new home.

She said the area was "probably the last little lane which has not got shops all up and down it".

Site meeting

Mrs Rickard said she had nothing against Mr Stein, adding: "There is nothing acrimonious with him, he is a nice chap, it is just these plans.

"I do not think he realises the strength of feeling."

Plans for the new home emerged in June, and it is understood members of the council will hold a site meeting before the issue is next discussed by the authority on 19 August.

Mr Stein, 56, and his wife Jill separated last year but continue to run their businesses together.