A long-running planning dispute on Awkward Hill, often called “England’s prettiest street,” in Bibury, Gloucestershire, has escalated following an alleged shooting incident that prompted an armed police response. The ongoing construction at Rosemary Cottage has sparked significant concern among locals and heritage advocates.
On January 12, a window of a construction vehicle was shattered in the presence of shaken workmen. Gloucestershire Constabulary confirmed they are investigating the incident as criminal damage, though they have yet to verify if shots were actually fired. Extensive searches, including CCTV review and door-to-door enquiries, are underway to uncover the cause and identify suspects.
The dispute centers around proposed modifications to the Grade II-listed Rosemary Cottage, including a conservatory extension, a stone summerhouse, and roof refurbishment. A former longtime resident submitted a strong objection to the Cotswold District Council, expressing outrage over what she described as “flagrant disregard for the history and beauty of the area.” She criticized the proposals as an extreme overdevelopment incompatible with the area, which enjoys protected status as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
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Local residents of Arlington Row, Awkward Hill, and Hawkers Hill have voiced concerns about noise, disruption, and environmental damage linked to the construction, including churned verges and blocked gates. Despite this, consultants representing the developer emphasize that all works, including replacing the deteriorated Cotswold stone slate roof, adding insulation, and building a discreet underground garage, comply with planning approvals and aim to maintain the site’s traditional character.
Spirit Architecture Ltd’s Matthew Hollingsworth highlighted the necessary repairs to a drystone retaining wall ordered by local authorities, explaining that road closures and delays resulted from regulatory requirements rather than the developer’s decisions. The current applications focus primarily on maintaining and restoring the listed building’s fabric, which is generally seen as beneficial to the area’s heritage.
The police have urged anyone with information about the window damage incident to come forward as investigations continue. Meanwhile, the planning controversy and community tensions surrounding Rosemary Cottage show no signs of abating.