Winslett can make her home improvements

Plans by actress Kate Winslet and her film director husband Sam Mendes to alter their British manor house retreat were today approved by a council.

Officials had recommended that most of the couple’s original proposals to change the Manor House in Gloucestershire be turned down.

But amended plans were today approved by planners from Cotswold District Council at a routine planning meeting in Moreton-in-Marsh.

A council spokeswoman said there were “certain conditions” attached to the approval, relating to a hearth, panelling, plasterwork repairs and a door linking two ground floor rooms.

She said there were a number of “basic things” which had to be resolved, including the design of a porch, a repairs schedule and the type of materials to be used.

She added: “Planners will be in close contact with the people who work for Kate Winslet in the next few days.”

In a report on the original applications, officers described the Grade II listed building, part of which dates from the 15th century, and explained why the changes were wanted.

The mansion was bought last year by Ms Winslet, best known for her role in Titanic, and Mr Mendes, who directed American Beauty.