A public footpath that runs yards from a house TV star Mark Wright has been given permission to knock down and redevelop must not be interfered with, Epping Forest District Council has ordered.

The former Towie star and wife Michelle Keegan were given permission to replace the property they bought  near Ongar for £1.3million with a five bed mansion complete with gym, dressing room, makeup room and a bar last week.

But in granting permission Epping Forest Council laid down a number of conditions, including that the couple must agree with the council how sewage and surface water will be carried away, before building commences.

The couple,  who recently became TV’s richest couple,  have also been told to install an electric charging point prior to their occupation and to incorporate measures to ensure a maximum of 110 litres of water per person per day will be used.

Epping Forest Guardian:

Plans for the couple's mansion

They have also been told to undertake an asbestos survey and where it is found to safely dispose of the material safely.The council has made it clear that interfering

with the public right of way network is illegal. According to the Essex Highways public right of way portal, a footpath runs between a road next to the property and two outbuildings.

A statement as part of the planning agreement issued by Epping Forest District Council said: “The public’s right and ease of passage over {a public footpath}, shall be maintained free and unobstructed at all times to ensure the safe passage of the public on the definitive right of way.

Epping Forest Guardian:

The footpath near the mansion

“The grant of planning permission does not automatically allow development to commence. In the event of works affecting the highway, none shall be permitted to commence until such time as they have been fully agreed with this authority.

“All cost associated with this shall be borne by the applicant and any damage caused to the route shall be rectified by the applicant within the timescale of the closure.”