Summary
- The couple reportedly developed around 400 square metres of agricultural land into a parking area without obtaining planning permission, sparking criticism from local residents who objected to the change in the village’s rural landscape.
- The estate’s argument that the parking area was necessary for anglers visiting its fishing facilities failed to convince authorities.
- An appeal against the decision was subsequently dismissed by a government-appointed inspector in July, leaving the couple facing the removal of the unauthorised parking area.
Pippa Middleton and her husband, James Matthews, have been ordered to remove an unauthorised car park built on meadowland at their £15.5 million Barton Court estate in Berkshire, England.
The couple reportedly developed around 400 square metres of agricultural land into a parking area without obtaining planning permission, sparking criticism from local residents who objected to the change in the village’s rural landscape.
Planning inspectors ruled that the development harmed the countryside by introducing an intrusive, urbanised feature into an otherwise open meadow. The estate’s argument that the parking area was necessary for anglers visiting its fishing facilities failed to convince authorities.
West Berkshire Council rejected a retrospective planning application in February. An appeal against the decision was subsequently dismissed by a government-appointed inspector in July, leaving the couple facing the removal of the unauthorised parking area.
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