James May and his partner Sarah Frater are set to remodel a steep garden stairway at their Deer Cottage in Ansty, Wiltshire, after architects warned the 52 percent gradient could cause a fatal fall. Council‑approved plans call for the slope to be reduced to 33 percent and a handrail added, marking the latest safety upgrade for the celebrity’s countryside retreat.

Reducing the 52% garden step gradient to 33%

The architects overseeing the Grade II listed cottage have formally advised that the ten steps behind the greenhouse must be altered. According to the report, the existing 52 percent gradient will be lowered to 33 percent, creating wider, deeper treads that are far safer for daily use .

May and Frater will also install a handrail, a detail described by a Wiltshire Council planning officer as “modest” and “minor domestic alterations” that will not affect the historic fabric of the building.

Wiltshire Council approves modest alterations to Deer Cottage

The planning application was submitted and approved by Wiltshire Council, which confirmed the changes are permissible under the listed‑building regulations. The council’s decision reflects a balance between preserving heritage and addressing genuine safety concerns, a recurring theme in May’s property projects.

As the source notes, the council’s approval means the work can proceed without further bureaucratic delay, allowing the couple to address the hazard promptly.

Ansty village: a tiny historic community of ~100 residents

Deer Cottage sits in the small Wiltshire hamlet of Ansty, which has roughly 100 inhabitants and lacks basic amenities such as shops or ATMs. May has often praised the rural setting for its scenery and farming life, a stark contrast to his former London‑based lifestyle.

The limited infrastructure underscores the practical challenges of maintaining historic properties in remte areas, where specialist contractors and local authority support are essential.

Previous safety issue at May’s London home

May’s experience with structural hazards is not new . In 2021, his primary residence in Hammersmith required a new brick canopy after architects warned that loose bricks posed a danger to passers‑by. The earlier renovation , also overseen by local authorities, demonstrates a pattern of proactive compliance with safety recommendations.

This history suggests May is accustomed to navigating planning processes and addressing heritage‑related constraints, a skill set now being applied to his Wiltshire project.

Will the new handrail meet heritage guidelines?

One open question remains whether the handrail design will satisfy both safety standards and the stringent aesthetic criteria of a Grade II listed building . the source does not reveal the material or style chosen, leaving room for potential debate with conservation officers.

Additionally, the timeline for completing the work has not been disclosed, and it is unclear if any further alterations might be required after the initial modifications.