CELEBRITY chef Jamie Oliver has received mixed reviews over his plans to renovate his Grade I listed £6 million Tudor mansion.

Mr Oliver is seeking planning permission to make a number of changes to Spains Hall in Finchingfield including renovating the kitchen, replacing floorboards and building new gates at the end of his driveway.

Essex County Council’s historic buildings consultant David Sorapure described the scheme as well conceived and said he had no objections.

However, archaeologists group Place Services raised concerns.

Teresa O’Connor, historic environment officer from Place Services, said: “The proposed development will affect a site of archaeological and historical interest.

“The historic significance of these are discussed in the submitted heritage statement, however, little visual evidence accompanies this and the significance of these features is not fully assessed.”

The Essex-born TV star and cook bought the mansion earlier this year.

The historic Elizabethan country house is set in 70 acres of parkland it had been owned by the same family for 250 years.