The celebrity couple have succeeded in their most recent planning application to install lighting at their rural Oxfordshire estate in the Cotswolds.
The couple received planning approval in 2020 for a kidney-shaped water feature within the extensive grounds of their Cotswold property.
However, this approval came with stringent requirements to ensure the development would blend appropriately with the countryside setting.
Concerns were previously expressed that the couple had exceeded their planning permissions when the feature and an accompanying sandy area were showcased in a streaming documentary.
Sir David Beckham, and wife Lady Victoria Beckham walk inside Nu Stadium in Miami. (Image: Rebecca Blackwell / PA)
A new planning submission has now been authorized to fulfill two requirements that were attached to the subsequent permission granted for “enlargement of approved pond and inclusion of an island”.
The couple, who have previously been criticized for what some describe as submitting applications incrementally, are now requesting further planning approval to construct an additional portion of driveway within their grounds.
Their proposal involves connecting their driveway to a recently approved new access route from Ledwell Lane that was constructed to circumvent the need to use a narrow single-lane road described as the only access point to Soho Farmhouse.
The couple were informed that prior to the site becoming operational, specifications for exterior lighting must be provided and formally approved by the planning department.
They needed to detail the style and placement of lighting fixtures to ensure “light spillage into wildlife corridors will be minimised as much as possible.”
This requirement was intended to “protect foraging and commuting bats” according to the report.
The second requirement that has now been authorized relates to the obligation to provide a detailed landscape proposal.
The council stated: “The scheme must show details of all planting areas, tree and plant species, numbers and planting sizes.
Sir David Beckham, Lady Victoria Beckham and Brooklyn Beckham in 2019. (Image: Matt Crossick / PA)
“The proposed means of enclosure and screening should also be included, together with details of any mounding, walls and fences and hard surface materials to be used throughout the proposed development.”
As part of the newly approved submission, the design team outlined a five-year maintenance plan for the site.
Documentation provided by the couple also illustrated the proposed lighting specifications and the positioning of trees planned for the development.
West Oxfordshire Council made a determination on this application earlier this month.
The couple have previously submitted numerous applications for work at their listed country residence.
Sir David and Lady Victoria Beckham’s estate in the Cotswolds. (Image: Tom Wren / SWNS)
Since acquiring the three listed barn structures for £6,150,000 in 2016, they have implemented various improvements including a new driveway and entrance gates, an additional garage building, a tennis court, a treehouse, a security checkpoint, an extension to the garage structure and a landscaped water feature.
One dissatisfied local resident previously remarked he “wouldn’t be surprised if the celebrity couple applied for a funfair ride to be installed in the garden”.
Lady Victoria Beckham and Sir David Beckham. (Image: Andrew Matthews / PA)
The couple also wish to replace a brief section of temporary construction track extending from their garden boundary to the equipment storage area.
When the access route from Ledwell Lane was approved, the couple sparked controversy among neighbours regarding proposals to construct a new access road to their Cotswold residence in an attempt to direct traffic away from Soho Farmhouse.
The celebrity pair have submitted a planning application to convert an agricultural track into a surfaced access route for their Maplewood Barn residence.
David Beckham (Image: Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA Wire)
They have applied to West Oxfordshire District Council for a change of use for a section of the existing agricultural track to create a secondary residential access.
The couple wish to extend the track to connect with their current driveway and enhance the existing dropped kerb entrance and gates onto Ledwell Lane.
The couple previously stated through a representative: “Ledwell Lane is a two-way rural road operating within capacity with a benign collision record; Tracey Lane is a single-track cul-de-sac serving residential properties, Great Tew Estate land and the only visitor access to Soho Farmhouse, experiencing high traffic and frequent conflicts and delays at peak periods.”
However, the proposal attracted criticism from local residents, with one objector writing: “The house already has a perfectly serviceable access road, so why is another stretch of tarmac laid through the woods deemed a good idea.
A decision on the new driveway access will be made by West Oxfordshire District Council at a later date.