David and Victoria Beckham are facing significant backlash from their Cotswolds neighbours over what locals describe as a systematic 'abuse' of the planning system at the couple's £6 million country estate.
A Drip-Feed of Planning Requests
Furious residents have accused the high-profile pair of deliberately submitting a constant stream of smaller planning applications rather than presenting one comprehensive master plan for their property near Chipping Norton. Planning documents lodged with the West Oxfordshire District Council (WODC) reveal the depth of local anger, with one submission arguing the Beckhams' strategy is designed to 'make sure they get what they want'.
Since purchasing the property, which comprises three listed barns, for £6,150,000 in 2016, the couple have secured permission for a series of additions. These include a new driveway and gates, an extra garage outbuilding, a tennis court, a treehouse, a security hut, an extension to the garage, and a landscaped pond complete with its own 'beach'.
Retrospective Application Sparks Outcry
The most recent point of contention is an application to change and extend an existing lane to create a second entrance to the property, alongside proposed 'improvements' to the kerb and gates. Agitated neighbours have labelled this application a 'joke', pointing out that much of the work appears to have been completed before permission was sought.
One neighbour's official objection stated that the couple had already 'laid the road, installed gates, laid an electricity supply to the gate...planted trees, installed post and rail fencing along both sides of this track' prior to the application being submitted.
Accusations of Preferential Treatment
The frustration extends beyond a single application to a perceived pattern of behaviour and a belief that the council is treating the famous applicants differently. One local accused the WODC of failing to demand a master plan, thereby allowing the Beckhams to 'drip feed' over 30 applications.
The neighbour predicted a repeat of past events, where a small pond approved in August 2020 was swiftly followed by an application for a 'large lake with an island' approved in January 2021. 'I hope this time the Council will act,' the objection continued. 'It’s unfair to those residents who abide by planning legislation but when it is abused the Council must and should act.'
Another objector raised concerns about the impact on the local area, specifically mentioning ramblers who use the lane and the prospect of 'giant SUV's lumbering up and down'. The core accusation from multiple parties is that there appears to be 'one rule for some' when it comes to planning enforcement.
The application remains pending a decision from the West Oxfordshire District Council. Representatives for both the Beckhams and the council have been contacted for comment.
