David and Victoria Beckham could be BANNED from using motorboats on huge lake at their £6million Cotswold mansion over fears they will disturb wildlife
- The super-couple won permission for a kidney-shaped water feature last year
- The 2,976 square metre lake sits in the garden of their Grade II-listed home
- Now they want to make it even bigger, sparking fury from their neighbours
- But biodiversity chiefs say speed boats not likely to be allowed on the water
David and Victoria Beckham could be banned from using motorboats on the huge lake at their £6 million Cotswold mansion over fears they will disturb wildlife.
The ex-England captain and his wife won permission in August for a 2,976 square metre kidney-shaped water feature in the garden of the Grade II-listed country pad, despite objections from furious residents.
And they have now sparked more wrath from neighbours after submitting plans to make the lake even bigger just months later.
The Beckhams have asked West Oxfordshire District Council if they can increase the lake size to 4,170 sq metres and add an island, measured at 122 sq metres.
It looks like the super-couple will get the green light, with scientists saying the lake shouldn’t disturb wildlife in the countryside idyll.
However assistant biodiversity officer Esther Frizell-Armitage has asked for motorboats to be banned on the water so they don’t disturb the fauna.
That means if the Beckhams want to make it to the island they will have to row.
The water feature 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
She said: ‘It is important to ensure that there are restrictions on the boating use of the pond.
‘I therefore recommend that a specific condition is applied that refers to the type of boats to be used on the water, such as restricting the use of speedboats.
‘I would consider non-motorised boats, such as rowing boats, to be acceptable.
‘This is to minimise disturbance to wildlife, such as birds associated with the pond, especially as the main purpose of the pond is to enhance the site for biodiversity.’
Goldenballs is known as a bit of a petrol-head who loves cars and motorbikes.
He also frequently posts photos onto his Instagram enjoying the water with friends and family on motorboats.
Posh and Becks particularly like spending time with Elton John and his partner David Furnish on boats.
However if they invite the pop superstar and his husband to their Cotswolds bolthole, it looks like they will have to take a trip on a rowing boat.
Ms Frizell-Armitage also said invasive plant species should not be planted on the island, to allow flora to grow naturally.
She added: ‘I advise that the island is left to colonise naturally and that hibernacula are created to provide further opportunities for wildlife.’
The plans have sparked the wrath of their neighbours in Great Tew, a small village near upmarket Chipping Norton, Oxon.
The Beckhams’ estate is flanked by Soho Farmhouse, where Meghan Markle held her hen party, and Jeremy Clarkson and David Cameron live nearby.
The new plans to increase the lake size to 4,170 sq metres and to add an island, measuring 122 square metres
But 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.
‘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.’
The council has addressed Ms Jones concern around speed boats.
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.’
Other residents called it ‘ugly’, ‘monstrous’ and ‘out of keeping’ with the posh area.
The Beckhams’ 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.’
Designer Victoria, 46, and ex-footballer David, 45, could be banned from using motorboats on the water
West Oxfordshire District Council should make its decision early this year.
The supercouple are in a race against time to get the water feature built by February.
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.
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.
They 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.
The incredible gardens are complete with a pool, tennis court and football pitch – built 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.
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