The idyllic village of Castle Combe in Wiltshire, famed as the UK’s “most beautiful village,” faces an unexpected modern challenge: invasive drone activity disrupting the peace and privacy of its residents. With around 400 inhabitants, this charming Cotswolds village has traditionally been a haven of calm, dotted with historic stone cottages and lush greenery. However, increasing numbers of tourists are flying drones overhead, eager to capture aerial snapshots, but unwittingly stirring unrest among locals.
In response, the Castle Combe Parish Council has taken proactive measures by installing numerous “no drone” signs throughout the village. Residents have also displayed their own signs in windows, striving to deter intrusive drone use and safeguard their privacy.
Nick Botterill, a former district councillor, described the drone issue as a growing nuisance threatening both privacy and safety. Some residents fear drones are being used to peer into homes and surveil private lives, especially troubling given recent local burglaries. He explained how drones frequently fly at low altitudes amidst crowds, raising concerns beyond privacy to include public safety risks.
READ MORE: Councillor Criticizes ‘Woke’ Museum Event in Hereford
READ MORE: Major M5 Development Near Cheltenham Set to Deliver 4,000 Much-Needed Homes
Botterill highlighted another pressing challenge: over-tourism has hollowed out the community. The surge in second homes and Airbnb rentals has reduced the number of permanent residents, eroding the village’s tight-knit character. Many visitors only stay briefly, contributing little economically while adding pressure on local resources and infrastructure.
Wiltshire Council has attempted to alleviate tourism pressures by managing traffic flow and warning potential visitors about limited parking during busy times such as bank holidays. Despite these efforts, permanent residents continue to dwindle, and the village’s sense of community is under threat.
Fred Winup, parish council chairman for 18 years, added that many drone operators are unaware of the legal and privacy implications. While professional drones over 250 grams are properly regulated, amateur users often break privacy laws unknowingly, filming residents in their gardens and even children. Police have intervened in some cases, confiscating unauthorized footage.
Winup noted that safety concerns also arise when drones are flown over crowded village streets. Since the introduction of signs outlining drone rules at the village entrance, sightings have reduced, yet occasional incidents still occur. He recounted a personal encounter with a foreign drone user who was quick to understand the issue once informed.
As Castle Combe grapples with balancing its appeal to visitors and protecting its residents’ well-being, locals urge tourists to respect the village’s privacy and heritage. The community remains committed to preserving the charm and serenity that make Castle Combe a treasured home and destination alike.