Charlotte Church faces probe over claims she has opened an ‘illegal’ home school

Singer Charlotte Church insists she is simply trying to do something 'beneficial to the community' (Picture: Andrew Yates/AFP/Getty Images)

Charlotte Church is being investigated over claims she is illegally running a school at her home without planning permission, Welsh authorities have confirmed.

Earlier this week, the singer revealed her intention to offer free music classes to children at her mansion in southern Wales.

Ms Church, 33, lodged plans with the local authority to create classrooms at the property in the village of Dinas Powys.

But Vale of Glamorgan Council, which is yet to grant planning permission, said neighbours had complained that she was already teaching there.

Ms Church insists she will be 'completely compliant' with the authorities (Getty Images)

The Voice Of An Angel singer denies the claims and insists she was operating legally, according to the BBC.

The council must now decide whether or not it will take formal action, which could see the singer ordered to tear down any unauthorised building work.

However, if her plans are approved, the school will be established within a two-storey annexe of her home until a more permanent site is found.

The mum-of-two plans to open a non-fee paying school for 20 local children aged nine to 12 which will be based at her house for the first year.

Ms Church said she's become much more interested in education and child development since having children (PA)

She told the BBC it would be aimed at children "who may have been struggling in mainstream education and providing an alternative that doesn't cost anything".

"We're trying to do something which is beneficial to the community," she said.

Ms Church said a part-time home school tutoring group is currently using the annexe for less than 12.5 hours per week, and that classes had been approved by the Welsh Government and school inspectorate Estyn.

"As far as I'm concerned I'm not aware of any breach of planning," she told the BBC.

The soprano hopes her home school will be a step towards setting up other independent schools (Christopher Furlong/Getty)

She confirmed that building works had been done inside the annexe, she insisted they had "not changed the character" of the building.

A Vale of Glamorgan Council spokesman told the Standard: "The council is currently considering an application for a change of use relating to a building at this address.

"We have also launched an enforcement investigation after receiving a number of complaints suggesting the use has started prior to planning permission.

"We will decide whether any formal action is necessary in due course."