Despite concerns about the environmental impact, David and Victoria Beckham’s £6 million Cotswolds mansion has been granted planning approval for a log store.
The celebrity couple plans to construct a dry wood stockpile on their Oxfordshire estate for warm nights in front of a crackling fire.
Despite the Beckhams being accused of “flying in the face” of the government’s clean air strategy, planners have finally given the idea the green light.
An objector made the charge, claiming that they should be using more environmentally friendly heating methods such as an electric heat pump.
However, planners determined that the complaint was insufficient to stop the proposals for Maplewood Barn, near Oxford, and West Oxfordshire District Council gave clearance last Friday.
‘I object to this application because it is a log store to keep wood dry for burning,’ the objection stated.
This is in direct opposition to the government’s clean air policy.’
‘Save the Planet,’ said the person at the end of the objection.
‘Officers do not consider that given the magnitude of the proposed log store, it would not result in any considerable increase in carbon emissions,’ a planning officer wrote in response to the letter.
‘The development principle has been established, and the suggested design alterations will have no substantive impact on neighborly amenity, roadways, ecology, or drainage,’ they stated.
‘The suggested architectural adjustments, as outlined, mimic the authorized structure’s forms and materials, and hence appear in keeping with the site’s character.’
‘The alterations are small in nature and would be hardly apparent from off-site, implying that the proposed adjustments would have little aesthetic impact.’
The store housing the Beckhams’ wood logs was built after the couple received approval for a new structure at their Grade-II listed country estate.
The earlier designs were approved on the proviso that the structure, which would serve as an office and high-tech car storage area, be constructed to provide a ‘attractive environment for nesting birds and bats.’
The council is still considering the log store proposal, which was submitted in April this year to make amendments to current planning permission.
The original planning application was approved as long as the celebrity couple takes care of the current fauna on the property.
‘Details of the supply of at least one integrated bat box and at least one incorporated bird box within the frames of the new facility shall be submitted to the local planning authority for approval prior to the erection of any external walls,’ planners stated.
Former England footballer David and his fashion designer wife Victoria must also ‘ensure that bats, birds, badgers, hedgehogs, reptiles, and amphibians are protected in accordance with The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981,’ according to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
They’re also forbidden from putting up any external lighting that ‘would directly illuminate the bat box or the hedgerow without prior consent to safeguard roosting, foraging, or community bats.’
The Beckhams must also have a “five-year aftercare maintenance plan” in place, as well as “no external lighting” that could harm wildlife.
The Cotswolds mansion, which is estimated to be worth £6.15 million, has undergone several renovations in recent years.
A large football pitch with a spectator stand, an outdoor pool, and a sauna are among the amenities of the countryside estate, which is next to the private member’s club, Soho Farmhouse.
There’s also a wine cellar, a plunge pool, and a massive garage with dazzling automobiles and a motorcycle, according to reports.
The Beckhams are claimed to alternate between their Oxfordshire property, a £31 million London estate, and a £19 million Miami penthouse.