Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have won another battle over their Ohio mansion after local officials approved their plans to add 10-foot privacy shrubs around the property. The decision came despite complaints from several neighbours, who raised concerns about the effect of the changes on local wildlife and the look of their lakeside community.
The couple's revised landscaping plans were approved unanimously during a meeting in Bratenahl, Ohio, on Tuesday, November 10. Around 35 people attended the meeting, where residents shared both support and strong objections to the changes at the couple's £4.1 million ($5.35 million) home.
Shrubs Spark Neighbour Dispute
Several residents spoke against the proposed landscaping, with some arguing that the tall shrubs could change the area's natural look. One of the main concerns was whether the new plants would provide enough space and food for local wildlife. Others questioned whether the changes would make the property feel more like a forest than a private home.
Resident Lucy Weller urged the couple's team to consider using more native plants that would better support animals in the area. 'They don't need lawns; they need food and cover and they need places to have sex,' she said during the meeting. Weller also questioned whether the proposed design would do enough to protect wildlife.
Another neighbour, Chuck Bauernschmidt, who said he lives two houses away from the couple, also spoke against the plans. He said he felt 'bad for the village' and questioned why the board was moving forward with the changes. 'This is a forest, and I'm not sure why the board is going in that direction,' he told those attending.
Some Residents Support Couple
Not everyone at the meeting was against Swift and Kelce's plans, as some residents argued that the couple should be welcomed into the community. Vasiliki Diamantis received applause after saying that the village should feel lucky that the pair had chosen Bratenahl as their home. She also said residents should accept them regardless of how often they stay there.
'We should accept them regardless of how many days they live here,' Diamantis said. Another attendee also spoke in favour of supporting the couple, saying it would be a shame if the community did not welcome its new neighbours. The comments offered a different view from those who believed the landscaping would have a negative effect on the area.
Swift and Kelce did not attend the meeting themselves, but they sent people to speak on their behalf. Their representatives included property manager Patrick Hyland, architect Derek Kuryla, and project manager Jacob Kutz. The group presented the revised plans before the board made its final decision.
Privacy Plans Get Approval
The revised landscaping plans, which include the 10-foot shrubs and updated brickwork, received unanimous approval from the Architectural Review Board. The decision gives the couple permission to move forward with the changes despite the concerns raised by several residents. It also marks another step in their efforts to add more privacy to the Ohio property.
The couple had already received approval in September to build a six-foot privacy fence around the home. Their earlier request reportedly involved a taller fence, but the final approved height was lowered to meet local guidelines. The fence and new landscaping are part of wider plans to improve privacy and security at the property.
Swift and Kelce bought the eight-bedroom, eleven-bathroom mansion in March for £4.1 million ($5.35 million). The couple married in July, and the Ohio property is not expected to become their main home. Swift also owns properties in Rhode Island, Beverly Hills, Nashville, and New York City, while Kelce has strong ties to Ohio, where he grew up.
