Residents of Awkward Hill in Bibury, located in the heart of the Cotswolds, are breathing a sigh of relief after the owners of a contentious property withdrew their proposed development plans. For years, construction at the Grade-II listed Rosemary Cottage has sparked tension, with locals claiming the ongoing work was diminishing the charm and tranquility of the area.
Described by some as a “flagrant disregard for the history and beauty” of this renowned street, the latest proposals included replacing the stone slate roof with new materials, adding insulation, constructing an oak conservatory, and building a stone summerhouse. These plans followed previous applications for an underground garage beneath the property.
However, a critical report from Cotswold District Council emphasized that further extensions would be excessive. The council stated: “Given the significant previous extension to the cottage, officers could not support further development. Although a detached summerhouse might be acceptable in principle, the size and design proposed would not respect the character of the main property.”
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Awkward Hill itself is celebrated for its picturesque cottages and historic significance. The council’s report highlighted that the proposed summerhouse, due to its scale and prominent location, would harm the setting of Rosemary Cottage, the Grade I listed Arlington Row, and the Bibury Conservation Area as a whole.
Local residents have voiced concerns for years, citing constant noise, disruption, and damage caused by construction vehicles. One long-term local expressed outrage over the seeming overdevelopment, stating, “This is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and needs to be protected. For decades, Rosemary Cottage functioned perfectly well without such excessive expansion. The community deserves respect for its heritage.”
Craig Chapman, chairman of Bibury Parish Council, welcomed the withdrawal of the application, saying: “The community is relieved that further development plans have now been halted. The district council’s recognition that the cottage is overdeveloped validates the concerns we have raised. While finishing touches to previous works continue, this decision marks an important step toward preserving our village’s character.”
Consultants representing the property’s owners had described the proposals as “modest” and in keeping with tradition, noting the use of reclaimed Cotswold stone slate and oak framing. They pointed out that an underground garage had received full planning approval and was designed to be less obtrusive than an earlier above-ground design.
Matthew Hollingsworth of Spirit Architecture Ltd also clarified that recent road closures and safety measures, including rebuilding a retaining drystone wall, were directed by local authorities rather than initiated by the property owners.
Despite the ongoing debates, certain restorative works to maintain the fabric of the listed building have been supported by planners and neighbors alike. While some minor complaints, such as the presence of palm trees on the property, remain contentious, overall, the community looks forward to a future where Bibury’s iconic charm can be safeguarded.