David and Victoria Beckham’s planning war over Cotswold mansion lake

The Beckhams are facing another planning war with neighbours, who are worried that the lake being dug at their £6 million Cotswolds bolthole could flood other properties. 

A 2,976 square metre kidney-shaped water feature is already in construction in the garden of the Grade II-listed country pad after the couple received planning permission in August, despite objections from furious residents. 

Yet just months later, Victoria, 46, and David, 45, have upset neighbours again, submitting plans to make the elaborate ornamental lake 40 per cent bigger in order to add an artificial island. 

The power couple have now requested permission from West Oxfordshire District Council to increase the lake size to 4,170 sq metres and to add an island, measuring 122 square metres.

A 2,976 square metre kidney-shaped water feature is already in construction in the garden of the 

If approved the latest alteration to their country pad in Great Tew, near the celebrity hotspot of Chipping Norton, would make the pond around half the size of a football pitch – and the whole family could enjoy a picnic on the island.

Neighbour Sue Jones, who has lived in the area for most of her life, has written a furious letter to the council.

She said: ‘I must object in the strongest terms to this new proposal. I was an objector to the original plan and my concerns were ignored.

‘I feel that his plan to enlarge the lake could increase the chances of flooding in the area considerably.

It is the Beckhams' latest planning application after they were given the green light to build a wine cellar and guard house. Pictured: The 6.15m Cotswolds estate, Great Tew, Oxfordshire

It is the Beckhams’ latest planning application after they were given the green light to build a wine cellar and guard house. Pictured: The 6.15m Cotswolds estate, Great Tew, Oxfordshire

Designer Victoria, 46, and ex-footballer David, 45, will have to plant hedgerows and trees to protect native birds, and also use special lights to help bats

Designer Victoria, 46, and ex-footballer David, 45, will have to plant hedgerows and trees to protect native birds, and also use special lights to help bats

‘Also, the lake looks just too large for the area it sits in. It is out of keeping with the area and what is planned next?

‘Motor boats zooming up and down and shattering the peace? It is just not on and should not be allowed.’

Other neighbours objected to the original proposals for the lake.

Michael Douglas blasted the couple for ‘trying to bring suburbia to the countryside’.

He added: ‘If they had wanted all they have applied for, why not find an estate which was big enough to accommodate all of this.’

Developments: The original plan was to create a kidney-shaped body of water, sized 2976 sq metres but the couple later expanded it

Developments: The original plan was to create a kidney-shaped body of water, sized 2976 sq metres but the couple later expanded it 

The new plans to increase the lake size to 4,170 sq metres and to add an island, measuring 122 square metres

The new plans to increase the lake size to 4,170 sq metres and to add an island, measuring 122 square metres

Other residents called it ‘ugly’, ‘monstrous’ and ‘out of keeping’ with the posh area.

The Beckham’s proposals said the pond will recreate a classic English meadow scene.

In the design statement it explained the lake would be surrounded by dozens of different types of grass, wildflowers, shrubs, bushes and trees.

It said: ‘The mix will flower all summer long, giving bees, hoverflies and butterflies a feast of nectar and pollen.’

West Oxfordshire District Council should make its decision in the new year.

The supercouple are in a race against time to get the water feature built by February.

Race is on: The couple are now in a race against time to finish building the lake by February next year as workers can only be on site between August and February to protect nesting birds

Race is on: The couple are now in a race against time to finish building the lake by February next year as workers can only be on site between August and February to protect nesting birds

Planning regulations for the original lake stipulated workers can only be on site between August and February to protect nesting birds.

It appears excavators have been brought in to get to work with the initial dimensions.

The council said the couple will have to plant hedgerows and trees to protect native birds, and also use special lights to help bats.

It must have an underground chamber – known as a hibernacula – to help support reptiles, amphibians and hedgehogs.

The Beckhams were also required to submit a five-year maintenance plan to show how they will support the area’s biodiversity.

Animal lovers: The council also requires the Beckhams to submit a five-year maintenance plan to show how they will support the area's biodiversity

Animal lovers: The council also requires the Beckhams to submit a five-year maintenance plan to show how they will support the area’s biodiversity

The pond must have an underground chamber - known as a hibernacula - to help support reptiles, amphibians and hedgehogs. Pictured: David Beckham

The pond must have an underground chamber – known as a hibernacula – to help support reptiles, amphibians and hedgehogs. Pictured: David Beckham

That was Posh and Becks’ latest planning success after getting the green light to build a wine cellar and a guard house.

They have also installed a sauna, which didn’t require council approval.

The family spent the majority of lockdown in their Cotswolds bolthole, which is near to trendy Soho Farmhouse – popular amongst the celebrities and royalty.

The barn conversion has log burning fires and exposed walls. It boasts large gardens. complete with a pool, tennis court and a football pitch with a special viewing platform.

Designer Victoria and ex-football star David have hosted some star-studded parties at the country bolthole, including for Brooklyn’s 21st birthday and the baptism of siblings Cruz and Harper.