David and Victoria Beckham are facing opposition from neighbors over plans for a new driveway to their £12 million Cotswolds house. The new road is intended to give them private access, avoiding the shared route currently used by visitors to the popular Soho Farmhouse nearby.
The homeowners have requested permission to pave a dirt track leading to their property, Maplewood Barn, with tarmac. This would help them avoid the large crowds of people who frequently visit the area, drawn by a popular members club.
The proposal has been met with disapproval, continuing a pattern of contentious planning applications at the property. At least one neighbor is objecting, arguing the development would disrupt the peaceful experience for walkers who shouldn’t be disturbed by large vehicles.
The Beckham’s home near Great Tew is accessed by a single-lane road, which is also the only route for visitors to reach the nearby Soho Farmhouse. This exclusive retreat offers a countryside getaway to its members, who pay around £250 monthly for access to amenities like pools, a health club, and activities such as clay pigeon shooting.
Especially during the summer, lots of lesser-known celebrities and people in the media flock to the area to unwind and make connections. Their expensive cars all travel down the same single road that leads to the Beckhams’ private home.
Now it seems they have finally had enough.
The couple has requested permission from West Oxfordshire District Council to create a second driveway to their property, using an existing farm track.
As a lifestyle expert, I’m always looking at ways to improve home access and convenience. My clients are planning to extend their driveway, making it easier to get in and out and improving the curb access onto Ledwell Lane with new gates. It’s all about creating a seamless and welcoming entrance!
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The Beckhams explained in their application that getting to Tracey Lane is difficult because it’s a dead-end street with a lot of traffic, which they consider unsafe.
The council is currently reviewing these plans, but they’ve already faced criticism from local residents.
Joan Lane, who lives in Great Tew, said: ‘I must strongly object to this proposal.
The house already has a perfectly good driveway, so it’s unclear why a new paved road through the woods was considered necessary.
Walkers enjoy using this lane, and it’s important to keep it peaceful by not allowing large vehicles to drive on it. We ask that you reject this application.
The Beckhams’ team called it a simple, well-considered renovation in their official plans.
The proposed changes would slightly improve the Ledwell Lane crossing and gates to make it safer for people living in the area.
The improvements address practical needs like functionality, safety, and comfort, and have been thoughtfully designed to protect the area’s countryside, historical significance, and natural beauty.
Okay, so I just heard back from the Beckham team, and they’re promising to keep things really…rustic! They said they’re going for a totally down-to-earth vibe, like a proper countryside setting. And if they do need lights later, it’ll be super subtle – nothing flashy, I guess. Honestly, it’s perfect! They get it. It’s all about keeping things natural and not overdoing it. I’m so relieved!
David and Victoria Beckham have faced criticism in the past for making changes to their Cotswolds property in small stages.
They have submitted multiple applications for work at their Grade-II listed country house.
Since 2016, after purchasing the three barns for £6.15 million, the couple has significantly improved the property by adding a new driveway with gates, an extra garage, a tennis court, a treehouse, a security hut, and a beautifully landscaped pond. They’ve also expanded the existing garage.
A decision will be made by West Oxfordshire District Council on the latest plans at a later date.
The Beckhams have caused some friction with their neighbors in the Cotswolds before due to construction and renovations on their rural property.
The artificial lake and beach built on the property have caused some disagreement with local residents since plans were first filed in 2020.
Council officials are looking into a 1,000 square foot sand bank after someone reported it violated a planning agreement.
According to a source, locals believe the situation is unusual for the neighborhood and are particularly sensitive about following the rules.
Sitting by the beach next to the large lake, between a wooden pier and a safari tent, the couple sadly talked about Victoria’s dreams and what their future might hold.
However, when the kidney-shaped lake was built, strict guidelines were put in place to make sure it blended in with the surrounding countryside.
Original plans called for the area around the building to be turned into a natural, park-like landscape. This included planting wildflowers, native trees, and shrubs to create a home for birds, small animals, and insects.
The council is now investigating concerns that the beach is not consistent with what was agreed.
Okay, so I’ve heard from the West Oxfordshire District Council about a potential issue with some planning regulations. They’ve received a report that something might not be quite right, and they’re now going to look into it. Basically, they’re investigating to make sure everything is above board – a pretty standard process, really.
The safari tent, located near the beach, was built by a company owned by a friend of the couple, film director Guy Ritchie. Interestingly, Ritchie was previously required to take down similar tents from his property, Ashcombe House in Wiltshire, after they appeared in a trailer for his Netflix show, The Gentlemen.
Their original idea to create a lake – a 3,000 square meter area of water about four meters deep, with wildflowers and trees around it – was initially rejected because of concerns it might harm local wildlife, including great crested newts.
The lake was the newest addition to the Cotswolds estate, following previous approvals for a hidden underground tunnel, wine cellar, and a large garage.
The Heritage Impact Statement explained that a path of trimmed grass would surround the new lake, curving through the gently sloping grassy areas created around it.
The application also detailed plans for surrounding trees, including hazel, oak, honeysuckle, bramble, and other species.
In 2023, the couple successfully, but controversially, won approval to convert a barn on their property into offices. Their plan included creating three distinct workspaces with a bathroom, skylights, and an outdoor wooden staircase.
David and Victoria Beckham’s countryside home in the Cotswolds played a big role in David’s recent Netflix documentary. He explained that he wanted a place where his family could get away from it all.
When I’m out in the country, I usually change into my comfortable, rural clothes – which I’m not wearing right now. I like to grab a walking stick, wander around, and relax outside with a coffee, enjoying my favorite view of the house. I can even see Victoria in the upstairs window if she happens to be sunbathing.
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2025-10-25 03:35