Families living on a street frequently hailed as one of England's most picturesque say they are being driven from their homes by a 'never-ending' renovation project that has turned the area into a 'war zone'. The disruptive work on a Grade II-listed cottage in the quintessential Cotswolds village of Bibury, Oxfordshire, has been ongoing for two years, causing constant noise, blocked roads, and severe distress.
A Village Charm Destroyed by Constant Disruption
The property at the heart of the controversy is situated on Awkward Hill, a lane famed for its chocolate-box cottages where average house prices reach £1.5 million. The cottage was purchased for £1.1 million in 2022, with major renovations commencing in 2023. Residents report that the charm which attracts tourists from across the globe, including India, Japan, and China, has been utterly shattered.
David Jacobs, 45, an eight-year resident, stated the ordeal has made him consider selling. "This building work has been more than awkward. It's been a nightmare," he said. "What's the point of this being a conservation area? It looks like a war zone. I came here for its charm but there's not much charm anymore."
The disruption has been severe and multifaceted. The road outside was closed for an entire year during initial works, with trucks churning up verges and blocking neighbours' gates with inconsiderate parking. The situation grew so dire that an ambulance was once unable to access the street, forcing emergency crews to stretcher an injured woman to safety.
Controversial Plans and 'Cultural Vandalism'
The scale and nature of the renovations have horrified the local community. Approved works have included the construction of an underground garage—a highly unusual feature for a historic Cotswolds cottage—and the stripping of the traditional Cotswold stone slate roof. New plans submitted to the council propose replacing these roof tiles, adding insulation, and building an oak-framed conservatory.
Further baffling residents is the addition of a 'bizarre' palm tree in the front garden, which has been spotted decorated with Christmas lights. For author Victoria Summerley, 69, who lives next door, the changes amount to "cultural vandalism."
"It's been never-ending. There's been one thing after another," she said, revealing the stress has reduced her to tears. "They have totally changed the character of the building... It looks alien compared to the rest of the village."
The impact extends beyond daily annoyance to financial and safety concerns. One resident claims a neighbour cannot sell their property due to the ongoing works, while Derek Rarreary, 70, worries that the underground excavation could compromise the structural integrity of the hill itself.
Community Backlash and Official Objections
Frustration has reached a boiling point, with the parish council now vowing to formally oppose any further planning applications. Craig Chapman, Chairman of Bibury Parish Council, said the village has endured "incredible disruption" for years.
"We've had enough and on behalf of the residents we're saying this has to stop," Chapman stated. He highlighted the incongruous additions, asking, "How many Cotswolds cottages have underground garages?" He also confirmed the owners do not live in the village full-time and "don't have to live with the disruption."
In defence of the project, Matthew Hollingsworth of Spirit Architecture Ltd, acting for the applicant, pointed out that the prolonged road closure in 2023 was enforced by Gloucestershire Highways for safety repairs to a boundary wall, following concerns raised by the Parish Council. "It was not initiated by my client," he said.
However, for retirees like Jenny Hedgeland, the damage is done. "It makes a real mockery of this being the nicest street in Britain," she said, summing up the feelings of a community that feels its idyllic, protected environment has been irrevocably damaged by a two-year building saga with no clear end in sight.
