Pippa Middleton and James Matthews have made a new announcement regarding their property on social media, after highway authorities raised "significant concerns".
Bucklebury Farm, which is owned by the couple, confirmed that tickets for its Christmas grotto will go on sale "very soon", despite it being the height of summer.
"Is it too soon to mention... Father Christmas?!" the farm posted, acknowledging the timing whilst children are yet to begin their summer holidays.
The festive announcement comes as the couple's plans for a countryside nursery at the same site remain unresolved.
Highway authorities have raised "significant concerns" about increased traffic from the proposed facility, recommending refusal of the planning application.
Pippa Middleton and James Matthews make new property announcement after 'significant concerns' were raised.
PA
The Matthews purchased the 72-acre property in leafy Berkshire for £1.5million in 2020, a price comparable to a single detached house with a garden in the village.
The sprawling estate features a 44-acre deer park, café, glamping pods, and a children's play area.
The farm has been open to the public since 1992 and features a petting zoo that was a favourite of young Prince George when visiting his grandparents.
The Matthews have continued developing the site, which attracted 45,000 visitors last year.
The couple have also opened the lodge for social events, including parties and Pilates classes, gradually expanding their offerings at the rural venue.
West Berkshire Council's highways department expressed concerns that the nursery would result in "an unacceptable increase in vehicle movements in what is an unsustainable location."
They noted there are "no alternative modes of travel to the site other than private car."
The proposed nursery would be housed in an existing log cabin, originally approved for staff accommodation in 2015 before the Matthews owned the property. A change of use was later granted in 2023 for office space.
Pippa and James Matthews moved to Bucklebury Farm in 2022.Instagram / Bucklebury FarmLATEST ROYAL NEWS:
James Matthews previously purchased the 72-acre Bucklebury Park Farm.
PALocal councillor Christopher Read has called for the decision to be debated by the planning committee. Bucklebury Parish Council raised no objections but discussed concerns about shared vehicular and pedestrian access from the car park.
Caroline Downie, representing the farm's planning agents, attempted to address the concerns by explaining the nursery would accommodate a maximum of 24 children and take three years to reach capacity. She noted that "17 to 20 parents" had already expressed interest.
The nursery would employ one manager, two qualified teachers and apprentices. Downie estimated 48 additional vehicle movements daily, or 12,480 annually, arguing this would keep total traffic well below the 70,000 movements permitted by the council.
"The local nurseries are at capacity or near capacity," she stated, emphasising the facility would offer children "a unique experience with access to the farm park facilities."
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