Fresh controversy has erupted over renovation work at a cottage on what is often dubbed 'England's prettiest street', with new formal objections lodged and police investigating an alleged firearms incident.
New Complaint Flags 'Flagrant Disregard' for Beauty
A former long-term resident of Awkward Hill in Bibury, Cotswolds, has submitted a strongly-worded objection to the latest plans for Grade II-listed Rosemary Cottage. The objector, who now lives in London, stated she was "appalled" by proposals submitted to Cotswold District Council in November 2025.
In her statement, she accused the plans of representing an "extreme overdevelopment" of the site that is not in keeping with the surrounding Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). "In the 40-plus years I have been lucky enough to be part of the community I have never seen such flagrant disregard for the history and beauty of the area," she wrote.
The objection concludes by suggesting the owner should have purchased a larger property rather than seek to over-extend the cottage, and urges the planning department to reject the application.
Police Probe and Ongoing Local Anger
The planning dispute took a more serious turn when Gloucestershire Police descended on Awkward Hill on Monday, 12 January 2026, following claims a firearm had been used against site workers. Police confirmed on Thursday, 15 January, that while an excavator's window frame was damaged and workers were shaken, no projectile was found and there was no confirmation shots were fired. No one was injured.
This incident has further inflamed local tensions. Residents of Arlington Row, Awkward Hill, and Hawkers Hill have long complained that years of construction work since 2023 have caused constant noise, disruption, and damage. They report that trucks servicing the site churn up verges and block gates, severely impacting their lives.
The Proposed Works and Applicant's Defence
The latest applications for Rosemary Cottage include:
- Stripping and replacing Cotswold stone slate roof tiles.
- Adding insulation to a utility room.
- Building an oak conservatory described as a "modest" kitchen extension.
- Erecting a stone summerhouse/office in the upper garden.
- Completing an approved underground garage, intended to be less obtrusive than a previously approved above-ground structure.
Matthew Hollingsworth of Spirit Architecture Ltd, acting for the applicant, provided context. He explained that Awkward Hill was closed by Gloucestershire Highways in 2023 after the Parish Council raised concerns about a retaining wall, forcing his client to fund extensive safety repairs.
"Closing the road obviously upset a lot of residents but it was the Parish Council who initiated this," he stated. He also noted that two current applications are for essential repair and maintenance of the listed building's fabric, "generally seen as a good thing."
Regarding delays, Hollingsworth cited required flood risk assessments and the challenges of a hillside site with limited, single-lane access. He also addressed criticism of palm trees on the property, noting they have been in situ for over 20 years and are being retained.
Local sources indicate the property owners do not currently live at the address, as the contentious renovations continue.
