Plans to block the development of an undisturbed “beautiful piece of landscape” only 150 meters from the King’s Highgrove Residence have been rejected. Residents of Tetbury, Gloucestershire met the housing scheme with fury when plans of 135 new homes were first unveiled in April 2026.
The plans have been met with deep suspicion as locals fear developers are exploiting the location by hiking the price under the banner of being the “King’s Neighbour.”
Local Concerns Over 'Cynical' Developer Tactics
Cllr Laura Hall-Wilson, who represents Tetbury with Upton for Cotswold District Council, has said the people of Tetbury give the King “peace wherever he goes” and that “everyone is very respectful of their privacy”. However, she argues that with the new development sitting so close to his residence, “it does feel like a cynical form from the developer” to “whack a premium on them and market the benefit of being the King’s next door neighbour.”
These views were echoed by Peter Martin, a former district councillor and chairman of residents group the Longfurlong Greenfields Association (LGA). He added, “While the cost of building houses is the same, they know they can charge that extra for the name and being “next to the King.”
Security and Privacy Fears Raised
With the development bordering the King’s residence, concerns have been raised regarding security and the potential for unintended confrontations with armed security. According to Cllr Laura Hall-Wilson, Highgrove is “very well policed” and patrolled by armed officers. Locals fear this could lead to accidental conflict with the public, with Mr Martin noting “they won't want dogs running around, and children playing so close to it.”
Although the King is not allowed to interfere with the planning process, Mr Martin suggested “his security might” intervene given the potential risks. He added “I've met him several times. He is a very private person but always got involved with the town in a quiet kind way,” and the “town is very protective of him and his privacy. We know he comes here to do the same things as us in the fields, to relax and let nature take over”. Reported to be an avid gardener, the King himself laid three of the hedges in the meadows, meaning the development strikes a particularly personal chord that goes far beyond security concerns.
Community Opposition and Rejection
More than 150 residents attended a recent council meeting where spokesperson Steve Keitley told councillors they wanted to protect and preserve the landscape, views and open countryside for future generations. The group proposed the fields be an outdoor community recreation space to protect the land from “speculative development”, and maintain what the area’s “village-like environment.”
Tetbury has already seen over a thousand new homes in the last six years – an increase of nearly 40%. According to Mr Martin, residents already face “severe parking problems” and “unacceptably long waiting times to see a doctor”, adding that Tetbury is a “small rural town that cannot cope with any more housing.”
Despite the local outcry, plans for the outdoor community recreation space were rejected. Miller Housing, in a previous statement, said they had held “positive” talks with councillors. They added: “Proposals for new, sustainable housing in this part of Gloucestershire have already included positive communication with local councillors, and we will share further information on plans for this land to engage with the community in the near future.” Buckingham Palace have declined to comment.
