Charlotte Church fears bankruptcy following planning rows over wellness retreat

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Charlotte Church fears she is months away from losing her life savings due to planning rows about her wellness retreat.

The Welsh warbler, 35, is battling objections from officials who say her plan to turn designer Laura Ashley’s old mansion into an eco-friendly luxury health resort.

Highway officers insist traffic chaos will be caused by Church’s dream of transforming the 16th Century Rhydoldog House mansion in Elan Valley, Wales.

Environment agency Natural Resources Wales are also objecting due to their fears wildlife breeding spots and the nearby River Wye could be damaged.

Mum-of-three Church – thought to have so far sunk at least £3million into the renovation – admitted: “I haven’t got a clue what I’m doing. It’s a complete mess, there's so much work to do.

"If we don't open in June, I'm in a lot of trouble."

Church has said unless the project is finished by the summer, she will be "broke".

The singer's parents have handed her £300,000 towards the renovation costs and she is being helped in the restoration by builder pals.

Church has been hoping to turn the seven-bedroom mansion into an off-grid retreat offering yoga, hiking, archery, foraging and cold-water swimming.

Illustrated proposals show guests will be treated to a cleansing ritual on entry by having their feet bathed in spring water before having a "ceremonial entrance" to the resort, which includes a helicopter pad, rooftop hot tub and 'moon garden'.

The highways department at Powys County Council are warning it will create an "unacceptable risk" for drivers on the narrow lane leading to the 47-acre estate, with not enough passing places to cope with the increased traffic.

A report submitted to the planning department said the "actual vehicle movements generated by this proposal would be significantly higher than the 22 per day quoted" by the plans.

Church will reveal the painful process on her new TV show, Charlotte's Dream Build, which starts on January 11 on Really and Discovery+.

There are hopes the series will help raise funds for her project.

Cardiff-born ex-party animal Church has previously claimed she would "always have to work" to fund her "lifestyle".

She is now reported to be worth less than £6million – a fraction of the £25million fortune she racked up after finding fame aged 11.

A decision on the renovations will be put to the local authority’s planning committee at the end of this month. (JANUARY)

A statement sent on Church’s behalf stated she wants the site to be "carbon neutral".

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