David and Victoria Beckham have reportedly won a long-running dispute with their neighbours over plans to build a new access road to their £12 million Cotswolds home. The couple live in a converted barn near Great Tew, close to the popular members-only retreat Soho Farmhouse, which attracts large crowds and heavy traffic, especially during the summer.
At present, the Beckhams share a narrow single-lane road with visitors heading to Soho Farmhouse. They argued that this setup is unsafe and causes congestion, prompting them to apply for permission to turn an existing agricultural track into a proper tarmac access road leading directly to their property, Maplewood Barn.
Despite strong objections from local residents, who said the change would disturb walkers and harm the rural feel of the area, the plans are believed to have been approved.
Neighbours complained that the Beckhams already had a usable road and accused them of slowly expanding development at their estate. Since buying the property in 2016, the couple have added several features, including a driveway, garage buildings, a tennis court, a treehouse, and a landscaped lake, some of which have also drawn criticism.
Local authorities, including West Oxfordshire District Council, are still reviewing other elements of the estate following complaints. Meanwhile, the Beckhams maintain that their changes are necessary for safety and have been designed to respect the surrounding countryside.
