The tranquil village of Bibury in the Cotswolds, renowned worldwide for Arlington Row—often hailed as England’s prettiest street—is facing a growing crisis. Residents are deeply concerned that years of persistent construction work are not only disrupting daily life but also damaging the very heritage and natural beauty that define the area.
Since 2023, extensive works on Rosemary Cottage, a Grade II-listed property located on Awkward Hill, have sparked intense objections from locals. The renovation plans include replacing Cotswold stone slate roof tiles, adding insulation, and building an oak conservatory and a stone summerhouse. Previously approved plans for an underground garage are also underway.
Neighbours like Kent Jackson have reported substantial impacts, noting physical damage to their own properties, constant obstruction from construction vehicles, erosion of verges, and the ongoing closure of key access roads. Such disruptions have not only impaired villagers’ quality of life but also altered the character of Bibury and its protected landscape within the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
READ MORE: Emergency Surgery Highlights Dangers of Feeding Dogs Pig’s Trotters
READ MORE: Gloucestershire Life Expectancy Map Highlights Regional Disparities for Newborns
Victoria Summerley expressed frustration over what many see as ignored pleas to the Cotswold District Council. Heavy vehicles navigating narrow lanes have caused significant wear to roadsides and have even damaged trees, exacerbating concerns about preserving the village’s heritage.
Jennifer Hedgeland recounted daily struggles with blocked access, persistent noise from machinery, and the erosion of green spaces. “We are not just making a fuss for the sake of it,” she emphasized, underscoring the genuine distress experienced by residents.
Bibury Parish Council has formally opposed the latest applications, highlighting the cumulative effect of multiple developments that, while individually may seem manageable, collectively threaten to overwhelm the village’s historic charm. Chairman Craig Chapman warned of “incredible disruption” and expressed concern over the substantial alterations to a listed building and the ongoing destruction caused by heavy construction traffic on narrow lanes.
Representatives for the applicant maintain that much of the work aims to restore and preserve the listed property, with modest extensions that respect local heritage. They also clarified that some road closures were initiated by local authorities and not the developer. Nevertheless, these reassurances have done little to ease tensions.
As the debate continues, residents of Bibury stand united in their determination to protect their village’s unique character, urging the council to reconsider approval of developments that risk irreversible damage to this cherished historic site.