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Bob Geldof looks poised to get permission for 40-metre pond at Davington Priory

05:00, 01 November 2021

updated: 14:09, 01 November 2021

Bob Geldof’s vision to install a large pond in the grounds of his Faversham home looks set to finally be given the go-ahead after an archaeological dig unearthed nothing of great significance.

The Boomtown Rats singer submitted a planning application for a 40-metre water feature last summer, but the project hit a stumbling block after history buffs raised fears.

The pond is proposed to be installed in the paddock
The pond is proposed to be installed in the paddock

They wanted the paddock at Geldof’s Davington Priory to be inspected for any archaeological treasures, with remnants of an ancient chapel said to be among the potential finds.

Historic England also raised its own concerns over the Live Aid founder’s lack of supporting evidence submitted in his proposals.

It prompted Geldof – who has owned the 12th century priory since the 1980s – to hire experts to inspect the grounds.

Two trenches were dug in the paddock at the site earmarked for the large pond, with only minor archaeological finds such as small fragments of pottery and tiles being unearthed by the team.

The work, carried out by the Swale and Thames Survey Company (Swat), has concluded there is nothing of great historical importance preventing Geldof from installing the pond.

Bob Geldof wants to create a haven for wildlife
Bob Geldof wants to create a haven for wildlife
One of the trenches dug during the paddock investigation. Picture: SWAT
One of the trenches dug during the paddock investigation. Picture: SWAT

In dreaming up the plan, the singer – who turned 70 this month – was inspired by French artist Claude Monet and his famous water lily paintings.

Having now been given the all-clear by archaeologists, the project looks set to soon be given the green light by Swale Borough Council.

If approved, it will contribute to the government’s One Million Pond Project, which aims to increase and enhance freshwater wildlife habitats across the country for endangered plants and animals.

The paddock where the pond feature will be situated is currently grazed by just a single ram and the grass is cut once a year.

The plans for Davington Priory have been inspired by Monet's paintings
The plans for Davington Priory have been inspired by Monet's paintings

The findings from Swat state: “The results of the excavation of two evaluation trenches revealed that archaeological features were present in both.

“Areas of archaeological interest have been recorded, however these are not of significance to require preservation and therefore stop the approval of the proposed planning application.”

An undated archive photo of the priory, Sir Bob's home
An undated archive photo of the priory, Sir Bob's home

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