Ed Sheeran's Framlingham prayer retreat plan approved

Sheeran lives on the estate with his wife Cherry Seaborn

Pop singer Ed Sheeran has been given permission to build a prayer retreat on his country estate.

The 28-year-old has already bought a number of properties close to Framlingham, Suffolk, where he grew up.

A planning application for the outbuilding was granted by East Suffolk Council.

It said the structure would "address an important need for a private place of retreat for contemplation and prayer".

The 28-year-old has already bought a number of properties close to Framlingham, Suffolk, where he grew up

It added it would be used "for celebration of key life and family milestones, family and social gatherings, marriages, christenings and so forth".

"It would also allow the applicant's family, friends and colleagues to be able enjoy these things and join them in their observance," the application added.

Sheeran lives on the estate with his wife Cherry Seaborn - a childhood friend who he attended school with in Suffolk.

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The new building is described in the application as "novel and modern", but designed not to conflict with the parish church of St Mary.

"The applicant has as his guests and visiting colleagues... people from around the world," the application states.

"Many of these people are from many countries, faiths and customs, including for example the USA, Ireland, Ghana, Nigeria, Asia and Australia."

The application adds that "the applicant seeks to provide a space in which he, his family and these different people can retreat for contemplation, prayer and relaxation, to meet, celebrate and meditate in peace and safety from disturbance".