Bibury, famous for its picturesque Arlington Row and hailed by textile designer William Morris as “the most beautiful village in England,” has seen plans for a new café refused due to significant road safety concerns. The Cotswold District Council denied the application to convert the ground floor of existing barns into a café and shopping area after fears were raised about traffic congestion and pedestrian safety on Ablington Lane.
The proposed development involved alterations to Shoecroft Barn, situated along the narrow, rural Ablington Lane, which is already subject to frequent gridlock caused by a mix of tourist vehicles, coaches, and residents’ transport. This country lane lacks proper pedestrian infrastructure, making it a hazardous location for both locals and visitors.
Despite assurances from consultants working on behalf of Bibury Trout Farm that the scheme would be sympathetic to the barn’s heritage and would bring the building back into use, opposition was strong. More than 100 formal objections were submitted by locals concerned that the new café would exacerbate the village’s existing traffic pressures.
A transport impact assessment suggested that the café might generate fewer vehicle trips than previously permitted uses on the trout farm; however, Gloucestershire County Highways recommended refusal due to insufficient evidence that safe, suitable access could be provided for all users. Planning officers supported this stance, leading to the committee’s unanimous decision against the proposal.
Craig Chapman, Chair of Bibury Parish Council, echoed these concerns, highlighting Ablington Lane’s inadequate passing points, sharp bends, and the absence of pedestrian pathways. He noted the lane’s frequent gridlocks and the erosion of verges, which increase conflict between vehicles and pedestrians. Chapman emphasised that the trout farm’s car parks are often overwhelmed, causing obstruction and safety issues.
Michelle Follett-Holt, representing local objectors at the council meeting, reiterated that the lane’s lack of pedestrian infrastructure presented an unresolved risk, urging councillors to refuse the application as recommended.
Local Conservative councillor David Fowles, representing Coln Valley, described Ablington Lane as a “very dangerous situation,” pointing out that pedestrians currently have to negotiate unsafe crossings due to the absence of proper footpaths.
The planning committee, after considering the evidence and public concerns, unanimously voted to reject the café development plans, prioritising road safety and the village’s capacity to manage its tourist demand.