CHANCELLOR Rishi Sunak has applied for permission to build a swimming pool and tennis court in his £1.5m North Yorkshire home.

The 41-year-old Chancellor of the Exchequer, Richmond MP and a keep fit enthusiast has lived in the tiny village of Kirby Sigston, near Northallerton, since he became an MP in the region in 2015.

The Northern Echo: The chancellor outside Number 10

The planning application Mr Sunak has lodged is for a separate building at his Manor which would have an L shaped 20 metre swimming pool with a separate tennis court.

It’s been advertised by Hambleton District Council as affecting the setting of a listed building and will be considered by the planning authority.

Andrew Cunningham Managing Director of Lavingham Planning Consultants Limited based in Brompton, Northallerton says in the application: "Kirby Sigston Manor is a substantial semi-detached property which sits within the hamlet of dwellings at Kirby Sigston, directly to the north-west of the nearby St Lawrence Church.

"The application site currently comprises an existing grassed paddock which sits directly to the east of the domestic curtilage. The host dwelling of Kirby Sigston Manor was Grade II Listed on 29th January 1953."

The Northern Echo: The Manor, home of Rishi Sunak Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

The chancellor's new leisure facilities are not likely to be finished anytime soon, however.

An Ecological Impact Assessment carried out for the application warns: "Any significant removal or cutting back of trees at the boundaries of the site will result in the loss of bird breeding habitat and there is a risk of disturbance if works are conducted during the breeding season.

"It is recommended that any clearance of vegetation and tree removal should be scheduled to avoid the bird breeding season, which runs from mid-March to the end of August."

Mr Sunak has had a meteoric rise through parliament in the six years since he was elected, to become one of the youngest ever Chancellors. Brought up in Southampton he says in a message to constituents he watched his parents serve the local community with dedication.

The Northern Echo: Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak

He added: "My dad was an NHS family GP and my mum ran her own local chemist shop. I wanted to make that same positive difference to people as their Member of Parliament and I was first elected to represent this wonderful constituency in 2015.

"My parents sacrificed a great deal so I could attend good schools. That experience changed my life and as a result, I am passionate about ensuring everybody has access to a great education.

"I co-founded a large investment firm, working with companies from Silicon Valley to Bangalore using that experience to help small and entrepreneurial British companies grow.

I have been lucky to live, study and work internationally. I met my wife, Akshata, in California where we lived for a number of years before returning home. We have two daughters who keep us busy and entertained."

A spokesperson said Mr Sunak did not want to comment on the application.