The Huffington Post has reported that plans have been submitted to Hertsmere Borough Council to expand the existing building into the outside live eviction area, adding 700 square metres to the current compound.

The extension would also boast the addition of a new garden and pool, which has prompted speculation that the next civilian run of the show could feature two houses.

Under the proposed revisions to the area, there would also be a new eviction set built, with a new stage to interview evicted housemates, as production company Endemol note that the present set is “unsuitable for use in bad weather conditions”.

This was evident during the 2015 ‘Big Brother’ final, when the metal set had to be evacuated because of a thunder and lightning storm, with host Emma Willis having to present her final links from inside the house.

Bosses are hoping that the plans are approved by 17 March, so that works can get underway for the summer series, which is expected to kick off in May or June.

The proposed plans would mark the biggest renovation to the house since it moved to Elstree Studios in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire in 2002.

The first two series of the reality show were filmed at the Three Mills Studios in Bow, but production was moved when the local council ordered that the house was taken down and the area returned to its original state.

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