Karl Stefanovic and his wife Jasmine are at loggerheads with local council over their $4.5million home renovation plans – amid claims they are building a grand piano for the Today host’s children during Sydney’s housing crisis
Karl Stefanovic and his wife Jasmine are at odds with their local council after their $4.5 million home renovation request was denied.
The Today show host, 49, and the former shoe designer, 39, recently submitted a plan to demolish their two-storey home in Sydney’s affluent suburb of Castlecrag and build a four-storey mansion, but have yet to receive approval from Willoughby Council.
However, Jasmine refuses to take “no” for an answer and, with the help of a “team of specialist lawyers”, has filed a lawsuit against the council. women’s Day The magazine has claimed.
“Jasmine has always wanted a huge house on the waterfront, not unlike what Karl had with his ex-wife [Cassandra Thorburn and their three children River, Willow and Jackson]an insider told the publication on Monday.
According to the source, the couple are considering adding an extra wing to their building plans to house Karl’s eldest three children.
Karl Stefanovic, 49, (left) and his wife Jasmine, 39, (right) are at odds with their local council after their $4.5 million home renovation request was denied
“It has been suggested that in the face of the housing crisis, the building of a wing with a private entrance might be considered for his eldest son, Jackson, who, like many young people, is struggling to climb the real estate ladder,” they claimed.
Additionally, Jasmine and Karl have made no secret of their desire to add a second child to their own family.
“At this rate, Karl might have to dig a little deeper, but he wants all his kids under one roof — and plenty of guest rooms for any in-laws!” the source added.
The Today show host, 49, and the former shoe designer, 39, recently submitted a plan to demolish their two-storey home in Sydney’s affluent suburb of Castlecrag and build a four-storey mansion, but have yet to receive approval from Willoughby Council. (Pictured is a conceptual image of the planned development for the Stefanovics’ home)
Jasmine, however, refuses to take “no” for an answer, reports say, and has filed a lawsuit against the council with the help of a “team of specialist lawyers,” Woman’s Day magazine claims
“Jasmine has always wanted a huge house on the waterfront, not unlike what Karl had with his ex-wife [Cassandra Thorburn and their three children River, Willow and Jackson], an insider told the publication on Monday. (Pictured is Karl with ex-wife Cassandra in 2012)
Jasmine, who works part-time as an influencer, is said to be in charge of the aesthetic of her new home with the help of her sister Jade, an interior designer.
Woman’s Day has also claimed that the Stefanovics know of at least two neighbors who have complained to the council about their proposal and hope everyone can get along once the plans go ahead.
The plan, submitted in March, calls for her home to have five bedrooms, five bathrooms, a swimming pool and spa, an entertainment area, a courtyard, and a three-car garage.
“It has been suggested that in the face of the housing crisis, the building of a wing with a private entrance might be considered for his eldest son, Jackson, who, like many young people, is struggling to climb the real estate ladder,” they claimed. (Pictured: Jasmine with Karl’s daughter Willow)
However, the council has not yet made a final decision on the redevelopment, and the plans are deemed to have been rejected.
A development application not approved by Council within 40 days is deemed rejected under New South Wales Planning Acts.
Those who filed the application can appeal to the Regional and Environmental Court to review the plans.
Jasmine, who works part-time as an influencer, is said to be in charge of the aesthetic of her new home with the help of her sister Jade, an interior designer
The couple bought their home, a 1960s three-bedroom home, for $3.2 million in 2021.
The DA plan describes it as an “aging one-story home,” while the new home will feature “modern design.”
The application revealed that the couple’s plans include the creation of 102 square meters of living space underground.
Back in March, the Stefanovics submitted a plan to the city council to demolish their two-story home (pictured) and build a four-story mansion
It says that “the quality of life” for residents will “improve” under the plans, while the proposal aims to “improve the streetscape and make a positive contribution to the site”.
According to the development plans, the refurbishment was “generally” in compliance with the planning laws set by Willoughby Council.
However, it did not meet floor plan-to-space ratio controls in accordance with local planning codes. This is the ratio of the footprint of a lot to the size of the lot on which the building stands.
The Stefanovics stated in their proposal that the violation of the floor plan-to-area ratio was due to the “sloping topography of the site”.
The Stefanovics stated in their proposal that the violation of the floor plan-to-area ratio was a consequence of the “sloping topography of the site”.
They argued that their rehabilitated property would have “no adverse effects on adjacent homes or the town/streetscape.”
The dispute between the couple and Willoughby Council is set to go before the Land and Environment Court.
The renovation had also raised objections from the couple’s neighbors.
Pictured is one of the bedrooms in the current apartment
In a submission to the council, neighbor Winny Lee expressed concern that the development would affect “the view” of her family’s backyard.
“It looks like the top floor of the planned building will face our garden and living area,” she said.
She explained that she was also “uncomfortable” about the privacy implications this might have.
It is understood that the process will involve mediation between Stefanovics and Willoughby Council.
Further hearings on the planning dispute are scheduled to take place in February.
Pictured is one of the living areas in their current home in Castlecrag