David and Victoria Beckham's plans to enhance their Cotswolds estate have been rejected by the local council. The celebrity couple purchased their nine-bedroom mansion in 2016 for £6.15million and have since made significant renovations, doubling its worth to £12m.
The Beckhams' latest proposal involved adding an oak-framed balcony to the west wing of their property in Great Tew, Chipping Norton. However, the council's planning officer raised concerns that it would detract from the property's simple agricultural character and form.
The council's senior conservation and design officer also expressed concerns, stating that the balcony would obscure a characteristic feature of the property, a threshing doorway. The proposal was ultimately deemed a "non-starter" with no obvious way to move forward.
This setback comes after a series of renovation proposals faced backlash this year. In March, the Beckhams wanted to add pond lighting, but locals pushed back, citing concerns about light pollution and disturbance to local wildlife.
The couple's troubles are not limited to their renovation plans. They have also been navigating a rift with their eldest son, Brooklyn, who has had no contact with his family for several months. Despite this, Victoria recently praised her "four amazing children" in an Instagram post celebrating 27 years of marriage to David.
The Beckhams' Cotswolds estate has been their home base, despite splitting their time between London, Miami, Beverly Hills, and Dubai. The property was featured heavily in the hit Netflix documentary Beckham, which offered a glimpse into their lives.
The couple's net worth is estimated to be $673m (£506m), according to a recent rich list. However, it remains to be seen what they will do next to push their plans forward and overcome the council's objections.
