A bitter council feud has broken out over a picturesque Cotswold village’s strict planning rules.
Snowshill, Gloucestershire, was made famous by 2001 blockbuster ‘Bridget Jones’s Diary’ and is often referred to as “the jewel of the Cotswolds”.
The picturesque village was used in the 2001 classic ‘Bridget Jones’s Diary’
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Locals have been frustrated by planning rules which mean they must seek permission if they want to paint their front door a new colour, lay a patio or erect a gate.
The village is under an Article 4 Direction, imposed by Tewkesbury Borough Council.
The council does not want to disturb the village’s homely aesthetic
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The idyllic setting appeared in the classic film as the home of Bridget’s parents, played by Jim Broadbent and Gemma Jones.
Citing its “exceptional historic character”, the council has stressed the importance of preserving much of what makes it special.
It is therefore a real challenge for locals if they wish to go about making any alterations.
Even replacing exterior windows comes with challenges, and residents are divided as a result.
The village was used in 2001 classic Bridget Jones’s Diary, which starred Renée Zellwegger
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Some think strict guidelines are needed to prevent the gradual erosion of the village’s aesthetic.
However, many think there is now too much red tape and as a result, a small group now has significant control over what others do with their own properties.
Measures could also place “undue burdens on property owners”, it has been warned.
A resident who recently moved into the area told The Times that the new rules are “way too strict” and efforts to fix their crumbling cottage have been met with animosity by neighbours.
Another local told the outlet: “It’s just a small group pushing for this, but there’s the ones being heard.
“Our house was falling apart when we bought it – we’ve poured our heart, soul and savings into making it liveable.
“Now if we want to put up a simple fence or a greenhouse, it feels like climbing Everest. We love it here, but it really does make you think twice.”
Other residents have rallied against changes.
Long-time local Sheila Wilkes told The Times: “Everybody wants to build bigger these days – all the little country cottages are being replaced with flashy big houses.
“I’ve lived her forever and I hate change – the houses are beautiful as they are. They don’t need tarting up.”
Among many other factors, Snowshill attracts house-hunters due to its status as a Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
It is also known for its hefty collection of historic buildings.
The council says the “majority” of buildings in the village are not listed and are “at risk” of “significantly harmful” changes.
Sarah Hands from Tewkesbury Borough Council said: “If you want to paint your door in the same or a similar colour – no one is stopping you from doing that – [but] a different colour, would have to be put in as a planning application.”
She added: “Changing a window here, changing a door there, you think it isn’t making much difference.
“But accumulatively over the village, if everyone started making these changes, those things that make it beautiful, unique, preserved village would start to chip away.”