From its thatched cottages to its winding lanes, the Gloucestershire village of Ebrington appears the perfect picture of a sleepy Cotswolds retreat. Yet beneath this serene exterior, a bitter 18-month civil war has fractured the close-knit community of 570 residents, involving furious arguments, allegations of harassment, and a deep-seated planning dispute.
The Heart of the Dispute: A Controversial Pool House
At the centre of the storm is Tony O'Sullivan, 53, the wealthy owner of a £3.4 million mansion known as Longmoor House. Having moved in just under two years ago, O'Sullivan's proposal to build an extensive luxury pool house on his country estate has ignited fierce opposition. The plans, which include a 28ft swimming pool, gym, sauna, steam room, and changing facilities, were met with immediate outrage from neighbours concerned about ruined views, construction chaos, and light pollution.
One anonymous resident told the Daily Mail: 'Tony is a point of discussion in the village. Many people think he's completely thoughtless and very self-centred. It's a massive shame for our community.' Locals also expressed bewilderment at the scale of the project, with one questioning, 'It seems excessive and I'm unsure on why they would need that much space.'
Escalating Tensions and Legal Action
The planning row has spiralled far beyond a simple disagreement over building regulations. Relations have soured to such an extent that O'Sullivan is facing a harassment charge following an alleged altercation with a female neighbour during a verbal confrontation about the development. It is understood he denies the allegation and has elected for a crown court trial by jury.
Villagers accuse the haulage tycoon, who appears to have made his wealth through businesses registered in Romford, Essex, of disrupting their peaceful way of life. Complaints are rife about heavy lorries from his 72 Group Ltd company thundering through narrow lanes, constant noise from building works, and ostentatious displays of wealth. A particularly flashy 30th birthday party for his girlfriend, Amber Coady, featuring laser lights, loud fireworks, and a late-night DJ, drew comparisons to Ibiza and further alienated neighbours.
'He has destroyed the peace and tranquility of the village,' claimed one local, who also noted O'Sullivan's installation of huge oak gates with anti-ram raid bollards. 'It makes you wonder who he's so scared of.'
Planning Authority Rejects 'Suburbanisation'
Officially, the Cotswold District Council refused the pool house application, a decision which O'Sullivan has appealed. Planners concluded the design had an 'industrial or commercial' appearance and warned it would lead to the 'suburbanisation of the landscape', eroding the area's prized rural character. Crucially, they stated the light glow from the extensive glazing 'would fail to conserve and enhance' the Cotswolds National Landscape and its protected dark skies.
Ebrington Parish Council strongly objected, submitting pictures of alleged existing light pollution from the property and warning of significant harm to wildlife. In his appeal, O'Sullivan's agents argued the scheme was a 'simple pool house' designed to reflect an agricultural building and was consistent with a previously approved plan for the site. A final decision from the planning inspectorate is pending.
As the battle lines remain firmly drawn, the future harmony of Ebrington hangs in the balance, proving that even in England's most picturesque settings, conflict can erupt over bricks, mortar, and the right to a quiet view.
