COUNCIL experts are giving their backing to proposed work by celeb chef Jamie Oliver at his Grade 1 listed mansion in Finchingfield .

The TV presenter has applied for special permission to carry out a range of work at Spains Hall.

He bought the Elizabethan manor house as his new family home in January for a reported £6million.

A historic buildings consultant said all the proposed interior alterations are "acceptable", except for plans to remove an iron pot hook, called a trammel, from the fireplace of one of the bedrooms.

The consultant said it should be "carefully removed, protected and securely stored for later re-use".

Braintree Council will rule on the application.

A council spokesman said: “We are currently considering an application for works to the Grade I listed building which includes the relocation of a trammel from a first floor bedroom to another location in the property.

"The works are considered to be sympathetic to the listed building and officers are supportive of the proposal. A decision on the application will be issued shortly.”