Harry Potter star Rupert Grint has been given permission to build an eco-village in Kimpton.

North Herts Council granted planning permission last Friday (June 12) for Mr Grint to convert Kimpton Grange into six apartments and to build an additional nine homes within the wider estate.

The authority's planning committee voted to approve the plans at a meeting in 2024 despite concerns from residents that it could harm woodland and wildlife.

As part of the final planning permission, Mr Grint will be required to pay almost £200,000 towards local infrastructure, including £100,000 to Kimpton Parish Council, £70,000 to the expansion of Katherine Warington School, and £11,400 for school places for children with learning difficulties.

Clear Architects said the plans are "truly outstanding and innovative" and will ensure a "carbon neutral" development. They include a gift of land to the parish council, which will become a park and circular walk with a picnic area for members of the public.

Mr Grint bought Kimpton Grange, a former vicarage, in 2009 but failed to sell it for an estimated price of £6m in 2018 before putting forward plans for the eco-village in 2022.