THE star of TV’s Blackadder comedy has come up against a slithery problem in his bid to build a futuristic countryside home.

Actor Rowan Atkinson was given planning permission to build the controversial hi-tech house in Ipsden last August.

But the discovery of seven slow worms on the site means work cannot start until they are moved.

Ecologists estimate there are 30 slow worms living on the land after finding two adults and five juveniles during seven visits in April.

All native reptiles are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981, which means it is illegal to recklessly or intentionally kill or harm them.

James Smith, of environmental consultants Development Ecology, wrote in a report: “The survey confirmed the presence of a small population of slow worms on site, concentrated around the south facing bank at the front of the property.

“The survey also confirmed the population has become established as a breeding population.”

Mr Atkinson’s plan is to demolish 80-year-old Handsmooth House in Well Place and build a five-bedroomed home in glass and bright white steel.

World-renowned New York-based architect Richard Meier has designed the three-floor property.

The 56-year-old Mr Bean star was given permission to replace the 1930s country house with his new home subject to an ecological survey.

Dominic Lamb, countryside officer at South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “A condition was placed on the planning permission for the developer to carry out reptile surveys and propose suitable measures to avoid harming any creatures found. The developer has completed the necessary surveys and submitted a report to us. We will consider the report and respond in due course."

The snake-like looking worms are really lizards and can live up to 30 years. One in captivity lived for 54 years. They feast on slugs and worms, can grow up to 14 inches long, and shed their tails to escape predators.

The ecology report says 30 days should be allowed to trap the reptiles and find them a home.

It also says roof tiles on the existing house should be removed by hand so bats are not disturbed.

South Oxfordshire District Council’s planning committee approved Mr Atkinson’s scheme despite one resident saying it would look like a “space-age petrol station”.

But Mr Atkinson told the meeting: “I do not want to live in a house that is weird or futuristic, but one that is simple, graceful and elegant.”

He added: “The home will add to our architectural heritage.”

Ipsden Parish Council objected to the plans as out of keeping with the area. But chairman Ron Baker said opinion had “generally mellowed”