David and Victoria Beckham have sparked fresh controversy among their Cotswolds neighbours after submitting proposals to establish an extensive woodland and wildflower meadow at their countryside estate.
The celebrity couple have applied to the local council seeking permission to plant 79 trees across their £6million property near Great Tew.
Local residents have reacted with frustration to the landscaping scheme, which forms part of broader development plans at the converted barn residence.
The application follows previous approval granted to transform an agricultural track into a permanent driveway serving as the principal entrance to the estate.
The couple have already renovated their Cotswolds home once before
|GETTY
The former England captain, 50, and his fashion designer wife, 51, have faced repeated clashes with neighbours over modifications to their rural retreat since acquiring it nearly a decade ago.
The proposed woodland will feature a diverse mix of native and ornamental species, including 19 English oak, 15 small-leaved lime, 12 European beech, eight field maple, and seven Scots pine, alongside smaller numbers of common hazel, sycamore maple, holly and English yew.
Trees will be positioned along one boundary of the estate, running parallel to the new driveway to create a woodland-style screen.
The landscaping initiative is designed to shield the property from public view following security incidents that have prompted the couple to employ round-the-clock protection.
Neighbours of the famous couple aren't happy about their proposed plans
|GETTY
Both their West London mansion and Cotswolds home have been targeted by attempted burglaries in recent years, driving the need for enhanced privacy measures.
David is currently involved in creating a show garden for the King's Foundation at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Neighbour James Worthington has lodged a formal objection to the proposals, submitting photographs and 43 pages of supporting documentation to the council.
He described the application as "just a joke," pointing out that substantial work appears to have already been completed on site.
Their home was showcased during their Netflix series
|NETFLIX
"Why submit an application when you have already laid the road, installed gates, laid an electricity supply to the gate, planted trees, installed post and rail fencing along both sides of this track?" Mr Worthington asked.
He cautioned that granting approval would effectively transform the rural property into a fortress.
The objection highlights ongoing tensions between the high-profile couple and residents of the quiet Oxfordshire village, where their extensive renovations have repeatedly drawn criticism from the local community.
The Beckhams purchased the three listed barns for £6.15million in 2016 and have since transformed what was originally a dilapidated site into an expansive country residence now estimated to be worth approximately £12million.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
The couple are hoping to expand their woodland area
|GETTY
The couple have been accused of "drip-feeding" development at the Grade II-listed property, having submitted numerous planning applications over the years.
Previous additions to the estate include a tennis court, treehouse, security hut, garage extension, landscaped pond and new gates.
Their man-made lake and sand bank have also attracted controversy, with council officers reportedly investigating whether a beach area breaches planning agreements.
West Oxfordshire District Council will determine the outcome of the current tree-planting application at a future date.
Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter