David and Victoria Beckham have submitted new planning applications to enhance lighting around their kidney-shaped pond—dubbed ‘Love Island’—in their sprawling Cotswolds estate, while ensuring minimal impact on local wildlife.
The celebrity couple received planning permission in 2020 to create the distinctive pond within the grounds of their Grade-II listed Maplewood Barn property near Great Tew, Oxfordshire. However, the approval came with strict conditions aimed at preserving the rural character of the area and protecting local bat populations.
Initial concerns arose when footage revealed the pond and an adjoining ‘private beach’ featured in a Netflix documentary, prompting questions about compliance with the original planning consent. In response, the Beckhams have now submitted fresh documents to satisfy two key conditions: approval of external lighting details and a comprehensive landscaping scheme.
Aerial shots of the estate showcase the expansive pond complete with an island outfitted with a firepit and a variety of plants. The couple must now provide precise plans for external lighting, specifying the types and locations to ensure minimal light spill into wildlife corridors. The local council highlighted that no other external lighting may be installed without their express consent, underscoring the need to protect foraging and commuting bats.
In addition to lighting, the Beckhams are working on a detailed landscaping proposal. This includes specifying planting areas, tree and plant species, quantities, planting sizes, as well as plans for enclosures, screening, mounding, walls, fences, and hard surface materials throughout the development.
Portus + Whitton, the landscape architects behind the project, have also outlined a five-year maintenance framework for the site to guarantee its upkeep.
West Oxfordshire Council will review the new application before granting final approval.
Since purchasing the three barns in 2016 for £6.15 million, the Beckhams have undertaken significant modifications to the property. These include adding a new driveway, gates, a garage extension, a tennis court, a treehouse, a security hut, and the landscaped pond. Some neighbours have expressed frustrations, accusing the couple of gradually transforming the countryside estate with suburban-style developments—one even jokingly speculated about the possibility of a funfair ride being added.
As the Beckhams aim to balance luxury living with environmental responsibility, their latest plans seek to enhance their home’s features while respecting the sensitive rural habitat that surrounds it.