Richard Hammond has hit a fresh roadblock in plans for his new £2m mansion in Wales, after multiple court cases.
The former Top Gear and Grand Tour presenter, who was in Oxfordshire earlier this month, is facing further delays to his ambitious renovation project after concerns were raised over potential archaeological remains and the impact of construction work on a protected river.
Mr Hammond bought the six-bedroom Georgian manor in Llanwenarth, Monmouthshire, for £1.99 million in March and has submitted plans for extensive alterations.
The proposals include a heritage-style showroom for his car collection, a library, memorabilia gallery and a new padel court to replace an existing tennis court.
However, the development has already encountered several hurdles.
Earlier this month, plans were complicated by the discovery of eight species of bats living at the property, with wildlife regulations requiring measures to protect the animals and their roosts before work can proceed.
Now, planning documents show fresh concerns have been raised by the Trust for Welsh Archaeology, which said there is potential for buried historic remains to be uncovered during groundworks linked to a proposed garage.
The organisation noted the site includes part of a former kitchen garden and areas where historic pathways and glasshouse buildings once stood.
As a result, archaeologists have called for a programme of investigation to be carried out before development can move ahead.
Natural Resources Wales has also raised concerns about the impact construction work could have on watercourses connected to the nearby River Usk, which is protected as a Special Area of Conservation and a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
The environmental body said additional information would be required to demonstrate that the development would not damage the river or affect water quality during construction.
The latest setback comes after a turbulent period for Mr Hammond.
In recent weeks, the television presenter has been involved in two separate court-related incidents, including a legal dispute connected to his motoring venture, The Smallest Cog.
The company, based in Hereford, admitted failing to provide information that could identify the driver of a Ford vehicle linked to an alleged offence.
As a result of the guilty plea at Worcester Court, the court imposed a fine on the business along with a victim surcharge.
In August, it emerged that Mr Hammond was fined £999 for speeding offences at the end of 2025, around the same time he took control of the firm.
The TV star was at the wheel of a Porsche when he broke the speed limit on December 2 last year before he was caught out again just 20 days later while driving a Bentley.
West Mercia Police brought two prosecutions against Mr Hammond, putting forward the speed camera images of him driving the cars in Herefordshire to prove the offences.