A wealthy businessman has found himself at the centre of a fierce row with residents in one of the Cotswolds’ most picturesque villages.
Tony O’Sullivan, 53, wants to build a sprawling leisure complex at his £3.4million country estate in Ebrington, Gloucestershire – and it is fair to say the locals are not happy about it.
The plans include a 28ft swimming pool, pool house, gym, steam room, sauna and changing facilities.
But neighbours have hit back, claiming the development would ruin their views and cause major disruption to village life.
The once tight-knit community of just 570 people has been thrown into turmoil since Mr O’Sullivan purchased his property around 18 months ago.
One anonymous resident told the Daily Mail: “Tony is a point of discussion in the village. Many people think he’s completely thoughtless and very self-centred. It’s a massive shame for our community.”
The neighbour added that those living behind his land would be directly affected, questioning why anyone would need such an extensive facility.
Villagers have also complained about heavy goods vehicles rumbling through narrow lanes to deliver building materials, with one local saying the constant noise and traffic has “destroyed the peace and tranquillity” of the area.
Tony O’Sullivan’s estate is located in the leafy village of Ebrington in Gloucestershire
|
GOOGLE MAPS
Things came to a head when Mr O’Sullivan reportedly threw a 30th birthday bash for his girlfriend, Amber Coady, complete with lasers lighting up the night sky and DJs playing until the early hours.
One resident posted on the community Facebook page: “What a racket last night. I thought I was back in Ibiza.”
Cotswold planning officials ultimately rejected the application for his not-so-modest spa, with the parish council raising serious concerns about the impact on the area’s protected dark skies.
In their refusal report, planners concluded that light from the proposed pool house “would fail to conserve and enhance the character or special qualities of the landscape”.
The council noted that the Cotswolds National Landscape boasts extensive naturally dark night skies, describing them as an integral part of the region’s natural beauty.
Officials also took issue with the building’s design, ruling that its extensive glazing and metal roof gave it an “industrial or commercial” look rather than the traditional Cotswold aesthetic.
They warned the development would lead to “additional suburbanisation of the landscape” – a growing problem across the Cotswolds as wealthy homeowners add gyms, pools and leisure buildings to their properties.
Mr O’Sullivan has now appealed the decision, with his representatives arguing the scheme has been misunderstood. He insists the pool house is not oversized and was designed to mirror the appearance of an agricultural building.
They also pushed back against claims of suburbanisation, pointing out that the structure would sit within the existing garden in the same spot where a pool was previously given the green light.
His agents said: “The proposed location, size, and orientation of the swimming pool building have been carefully selected to ensure that the development integrates well within the property’s existing domestic curtilage.”
When reporters attempted to reach Mr O’Sullivan at his home, they were told he was on holiday.
The appeal is still awaiting a decision.