David and Victoria Beckham are facing a backlash from their neighbours over a major landscape overhaul at their £6 million country estate in the Cotswolds.
Residents are calling out the couple’s planned move to turn a rural retreat into a high-security “fortress”. The centre of the controversy lies in a new landscape management plan submitted to the local council.
As part of a desire to bolster their privacy following a series of attempted break-ins, the Beckhams intend to plant a massive “privacy screen” along their property line, the Mirror reports.
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The proposed greenery includes 79 new trees – a mix of native species including English Oak, European Beech, Scots Pine, and Yew – and a wildflower meadow, which they say is designed to encourage local biodiversity.
The couple are also seeking an access upgrade which involves converting an existing agricultural track into a permanent, paved principal driveway.
While a wildflower meadow might sound peaceful and harmless, the local reaction has been anything but.
Discontent stems from two main issues – the changing character of the area and the timing of the work. One neighbour, James Worthington, has led the charge with a 43-page letter of objection. He argues that the scale of the planting effectively walls off the property from the rest of the rural landscape.
Furthermore, residents have accused the couple of “retrospective” planning, claiming that much of the work—including the road installation, gate construction, and electrical wiring—has already been completed before receiving official approval.
“This current application is just a joke,” Worthington stated, questioning why a proposal was submitted for work that appears to be finished.
The Beckhams’ move toward total privacy isn’t just a case of aesthetics. Both their London and Cotswolds homes have been targeted by burglars in recent years, leading the couple to employ a 24-hour security detail.