When Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher purchased a lavish £4.2 million property in the Cotswolds at the end of last year, he likely envisioned a tranquil escape from the public eye. Instead, the rock star has inadvertently stepped into a heated local dispute involving the daughter of a Russian oligarch and her controversial plans for holiday accommodations.
Planning Battle Erupts Over Holiday Lets
Darina Kogan, daughter of billionaire Valery Kogan, and her husband Martin Bellamy submitted an application to Cotswold District Council for eight holiday homes within the grounds of their grade-II listed, 12-bedroom mansion, Bledisloe House. This proposal triggered significant opposition, with 65 letters of objection flooding in from furious residents. Despite a planning officer's initial recommendation for approval, the council refused the bid in January.
Council Suspects Piecemeal Strategy
The couple has since lodged another application, this time for a walled garden. However, council officials suspect this move represents the first phase of a gradual effort to push through what they term a 'holiday resort plan bit by bit.' A council report noted that the garden proposal appears 'functionally intended to serve the holiday accommodation units proposed rather than the private domestic enjoyment of Bledisloe House.'
This is not the first time the couple has attempted development on their land. In 2021, they outlined ambitious plans for 24 houses and a village hall, but intense local backlash forced them to abandon the idea before it even reached the formal planning stage.
Denials and Ongoing Tensions
On Saturday night, 50-year-old Darina Kogan insisted, 'We have no intention of building a holiday resort.' Nevertheless, the conflict continues to simmer, with locals remaining vigilant and council scrutiny intensifying over the latest applications.
Celebrity Snippets from Across the UK
Ryan Gosling's Fox Advocacy: Hollywood actor Ryan Gosling, now residing in Hampstead, north London, has voiced his admiration for British foxes, calling them 'cool as hell.' He suggests they deserve more celebration and even proposes merchandise featuring a fox leaning against Big Ben with a monocle and top hat.
Lady Lola Bute's Split: Socialite Lady Lola Bute has parted ways with her Dutch model boyfriend, Parker van Noord, after being together since 2022. The pair are currently on 'a break,' with Lola recently spotted enjoying Paris Fashion Week with friends like Lily James, while Parker was absent.
Caprice Bourret Backs Reform: American model Caprice Bourret has publicly supported Nigel Farage's Reform party, leaving enthusiastic comments on the Instagram page of Laila Cunningham, Reform's candidate for the 2028 London mayoral elections. Bourret, married to millionaire Ty Comfort, has previously expressed concerns about rising anti-Semitism in the UK.
Lord Cameron's Unlikely Encounter: Former Prime Minister Lord David Cameron found himself discussing politics with reality star Gemma Collins at Cheltenham's Royal Box. Cameron praised 'The GC,' took her racing tips—and won. When asked about a potential collaboration, he hinted at shared admiration for politician Kemi Badenoch.
Johnny Depp's Art Sale: Actor Johnny Depp is selling new artworks at Castle Fine Art gallery in London. The pop-art graffiti-style collages, titled 'Accidents & Underdogs,' feature images of Jesus and scribbled swear words, priced at £3,950 each. The gallery describes them as his 'most layered and technically complex body of work to date.'
Spotted Around Town
- Kate Moss visiting the Dr Rasha clinic in Knightsbridge for 'AquaGold' facials with 24-carat needles.
- Keira Knightley enjoying a family stroll in Hampstead.
- US comedian Adam Sandler playing basketball at Kensington Leisure Centre.
- Pierce Brosnan attending Tracey Emin's show at Tate Modern.
- Romeo Beckham waiting on the floor at Gatwick Airport arrivals for his girlfriend, Kim Turnbull.
