Bibury, known as England’s most beautiful village, has had its fair share of challenges due to overtourism. The influx of visitors has resulted in congestion, damage to historical structures, and confrontations with agitated coach drivers. In response, Max Thomas, the owner of Bibury Trout Farm, has presented a solution to address the village’s traffic nightmare.
Thomas has applied for planning permission to construct a new car park on the outskirts of Bibury, intending to accommodate both cars and coaches. The proposed facility, estimated to cost £150,000, would hold 80 to 100 vehicles and be situated a short distance from the village center. The goal is to alleviate congestion and enhance the overall visitor experience, allowing more time for exploration and spending within the village.
While the proposed plan aims to address congestion, not all residents are in favor of it. Some expressed concerns that the introduction of a coach park could exacerbate traffic issues and transform Bibury into a commercialized destination. This apprehension stems from previous objections to the trout farm’s expansion plans, as villagers feared the potential transformation of the business into a theme park. However, assurances have been made that future developments will align with the area’s aesthetic and cultural essence.
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Thomas is optimistic about the approval of the plans and anticipates the new car park to be operational by the end of May. The public has an opportunity to review and comment on the proposals until April 16.