AceShowbiz - In what has become a classic tale of old versus new, Kelsey Grammer, 70, and his Bristol-born wife Kayte Walsh, 46, are at the center of a neighborhood dispute over the fate of a centuries-old "coastal treasure."

The couple bought the cottage with its breathtaking views of the Bristol Channel and the Welsh coast almost two years ago. However, their dream of expanding and modernizing the property hit a roadblock last year when North Somerset Council refused their proposal.

The original proposal sought to convert the two-bedroom period cottage into a luxurious four-bedroom home with a new kitchen diner, snug, and study. Additional plans included tearing down outdated extensions and constructing a new two-story side extension.

Despite these elaborate plans, the council denied the application, citing concerns over the building's character and heritage significance.

Determined not to be thwarted, Grammer submitted a new proposal under The Fossil UK Trust to demolish the entire house and garage. Planners have indicated that this action does not require special permission, which escalated tensions with local residents.

A notice taped to the cottage announced that demolition could commence on or after March 15, setting the stage for community backlash.

Local residents quickly took to the comments section of the council's website to express their dismay. One concerned neighbor wrote, "The development of any site along this stretch of road will damage the rural nature of this area and contribute to suburban spread."

Others emphasized the historical significance of the cottage, with one noting, "It would be a very sad day to see a lovely old cottage with such rich local historical significance be destroyed."

Supporters argue that preservation of the cottage is crucial to maintaining the area's historical identity. The structure is not only a physical representation of architectural styles from the late 1800s but also a witness to the evolution of Portishead.

The cottage stands near a scheduled ancient monument with elements dating back to the Iron Age, adding another layer of historical value. As public opinion varies, the future of this coastal landmark hangs in the balance.

In a 2023 BBC interview, Grammer shared his fondness for the Portishead area and his excitement about the property, saying, "We bought a little place we're going to be working on. We won't be taking up residence for a while but, yeah, we're pretty excited about it. We have a little view of Wales from the channel there."