Global music icons Beyoncé and Jay-Z are reportedly in the final stages of acquiring a sprawling 58-acre site near Wigginton in the Cotswolds, where they plan to build a lavish new residence. The property, which overlooks a serene lake and features a derelict structure and overgrown surroundings, has gained planning permission under a rare exemption known as NPPF Paragraph 80.
This special clause, colloquially dubbed the ‘rich person’ planning exemption, allows the construction of architecturally significant buildings in locations where typical planning permission would be denied. First granted by Cherwell District Council in 2021, the approval was secured through the landowner’s submission before the sale took place. The clause requires substantial financial investment, making it accessible primarily to affluent buyers prepared to develop exceptional estates.
Previously marketed for £7.5 million, the land includes an 18-acre site authorized for a large contemporary home encompassing seven bedrooms, seven reception rooms, and seven bathrooms. Marketing materials describe the planned residence as an extraordinary property set at the end of a private drive meandering through picturesque countryside to a magical woodland lake. The design promises stunning countryside views with a part of the house dramatically cantilevered over the water.
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Seymour-Smith Architects, responsible for the project, proudly confirmed Oxpens as their fifth successful planning application under the NPPF paragraph 80 framework, emphasizing a 100% success rate. Their vision for the residence prioritizes a flexible, multi-generational living arrangement, featuring three self-contained yet interconnected living spaces. This innovative design aims to support family members across generations while maintaining the cohesion of one unified home.
The site, currently characterized by a monoculture ash plantation suffering from ash dieback and a neglected man-made lake, is set to undergo significant restoration and landscaping. The new structure will be nestled among the trees and extend over the lake, blending natural beauty with architectural innovation.
Local residents have mixed feelings about the upcoming development. Some express concerns about rising property prices and increased celebrity-related traffic, while others welcome the prospect of diversification and admire Beyoncé’s influence. Despite the village’s small size and quiet charm, the arrival of such high-profile homeowners is sure to mark a new chapter for Wigginton and its surroundings.