Ricky Gervais' £5m Mansion Faces Flood Threat Under 1.5m Water

Ricky Gervais' Proposed Thames Home Faces Flooding Risks

Ricky Gervais, the British comedian and actor, is facing significant challenges in his plans to build a new home on the banks of the River Thames. The Environment Agency has issued a warning that the proposed property could be at risk of flooding, which might lead to 'loss of life.' This concern has prompted the need for a special flood permit and additional precautions.

The comedian's original planning application was rejected in February, leading him to submit a revised proposal in September. One of the main issues raised by the Environment Agency is the potential for flooding, a problem that even Gervais’ own experts have acknowledged. The agency has stated that the depth of a potential flood could reach nearly one and a half metres—just slightly less than Gervais’ height of 1m 73cm.

Without proper evacuation procedures, the government agency warns that this could be dangerously fatal for the public and emergency services. The Environment Agency emphasized: "We agree that this indicates that there will be a danger for all people (e.g. there will be danger of loss of life for the general public and the emergency services)."

Gervais’ flood experts have prepared a report acknowledging the issue but also stating that a 'warning and evacuation plan will be prepared' for Gervais and his partner, Jane Fallon. The report concedes that flood depths on the site are expected to exceed 1 metre during the design flood event. Therefore, safe access from the site to an area outside the floodplain is not available.

In the event of a 'flood event,' the house itself 'will be elevated to above the flood level' and 'create a safe haven during a flood.' The Environment Agency has advised Gervais and Jane to contact the helpline Floodline and register for a 'flood warning,' which cautions anyone close to flooded rivers or seas.

The agency also said that they will 'require a Flood Risk Activity Permit (FRAP) to undertake the proposed works as the main river, the River Thames, runs adjacent to the site.' Further, they stated: "The applicant would need to demonstrate that the proposed works will not adversely impact on flood risk or the watercourse."

Additional Challenges with Bats

Ricky is already having to obtain a bat licence from Natural England after 333 soprano pipistrelle bats were recorded emerging from the dwelling back in 2023. The local authority reported that 'a peak of 276 bats were seen to emerge in 2025.'

It is also likely that the After Life creator will have to build a new bat loft in his garage, as well as erecting two bat boxes in nearby trees, in line with the Bat Mitigation Strategy.

Property Portfolio and Previous Controversies

Ricky bought the property in 2014 for £2.75 million. The residence is now reputedly valued at more than £4 million. He has an extensive property portfolio, including a £14.75 million mansion with nine bedrooms, a spa, and tennis court in a leafy conservation area in north London, as well as his Marlow riverside home.

Ricky also reportedly has two apartments on New York's Upper East Side, which he bought for £1.1 million in 2008 and £2.5 million in 2011. The comedian previously sparked a row with neighbours at his former £7.7 million home in Hampstead, north London, after he dug out a basement to add an underground gym and indoor pool.

Ongoing Concerns and Future Plans

Despite these challenges, Gervais continues to explore his options for a new home. However, the recent warnings about flooding and the presence of rare bats have added layers of complexity to his plans. As he navigates these obstacles, it remains to be seen whether his vision for a luxurious riverside mansion will come to fruition.