Metin Dener and his wife Gubin, owners of a Grade II listed cottage located on Bibury’s famed Awkward Hill, known as ‘England’s prettiest street’, have been compelled to retract plans for a large outdoor fireplace and landscaping following significant local opposition and council objection.
The couple had already undertaken extensive works at the property, which residents and conservation officers describe as a “flagrant disregard for the history and beauty of the area”. Critics have gone so far as to say the renovations transformed the once modest historic cottage into what some call a “monstrosity”.
For years, the ongoing construction at the site has sparked controversy and caused distress among locals, who report continued noise, disruption, and damage to roadside verges due to construction traffic.
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After a recent refusal of retrospective planning permission for unauthorised features, the owners submitted new proposals to Cotswold District Council seeking approval for the demolition of the outdoor fireplace and amendments to landscaping.
The applicants explained they had initially believed the work qualified as “permitted development” but acknowledged that regulations are more restrictive in a listed setting.
Conservation officers have since indicated that the revised plans to remove the outdoor fireplace, infill an uncharacteristic niche in a retaining wall, and reconstruct a collapsed boundary wall in traditional drystone are acceptable. The application also omits previously proposed sweeping stone steps, which had been met with disapproval.
Officials noted, however, that further details are required for safety railings in certain parts of the garden and clarification of wall heights before final approval.
In their previous refusal, planners emphasised their legal duty to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the area, stating the unapproved works failed to do so and caused harm to the setting of the Grade I listed Arlington Row and the wider Bibury Conservation Area.
Bibury Parish Council criticised the scale of the unauthorised fireplace, describing it as “huge” and incongruous with the surrounding historic cottages and national heritage status.
Local residents expressed enduring frustration, recounting ongoing disturbances from construction noise, increased traffic, and blocked access due to delivery vehicles.
Over the past few years, multiple applications have been submitted relating to this cottage, including alterations to roofing materials and house extensions, some withdrawn or refused amid concerns over their impact.
Representatives for the owners acknowledged the local inconvenience caused by the works and related infrastructure projects, stating efforts had been made to communicate with residents. They also confirmed that all site activity has been paused pending resolution of planning matters.
Cotswold District Council is expected to reach a decision on the application in due course, with the intention of restoring the property and surroundings in a manner consistent with the area’s historic significance.