THE prettiest village in the UK is engulfed in a bitter row over a new café, as locals fear their paradise will be overrun by tourists.
Visitors flock in their masses to catch a glimpse of the old-world Cotswolds village of Bibury, with its stunning weaver’s cottages and limestone architecture.
Bibury Trout Farm wants to convert a storage area in a barn complex into a café Credit: Google maps
The village of Bibury in the Cotswolds has been dubbed the ‘most beautiful’ in the UK Credit: SWNS
It was originally made famous by textile designer and writer William Morris, who described it as “the most beautiful” village in England in the 19th century.
Last year, it even topped Forbes list for the 50 most picturesque villages on the planet.
Sign up for The Jattvibe newsletter
Thank you!
But now, its renown is the very thing that threatens to ruin it, with locals complaining that a new café could bring even more tourists to the village.
Bibury Trout Farm has filed an application to convert a general storage area on the ground floor of a barn complex into a café and shopping area.
STREET SNATCH
Police gave up on finding phone or bag thief ever SIX minutes last year
TUNNEL BLAZE
Train chaos as services halted through UK city after huge tunnel fire
Locals in Bibury say tourists come to the iconic village to take photos Credit: Adrian Sherratt
Residents fear plans for a new cafe could cause major congestion in the country lanes Credit: Adrian Sherratt
Textile designer William Morris described Bibury as the ‘most beautiful’ in England Credit: Alamy
Locals fear the development would cause an influx of tourists and put a strain on their roads Credit: SWNS
They argued that the scheme would “bring the buildings fully back into use”.
However, more than 100 objections have been filed against the plans, with Bibury Parish Council saying the conversion would result in “high volumes” of tourists and have a “negative impact” on the community.
“The village cannot sustainably manage and maintain its character,” they said.
“The Trout Farm already has a large café in its grounds as well as an existing extended café facility selling ice cream opposite the main site.”
They said that the area’s popularity is not “sufficient justification” for the development proposal.
The council warned that the influx of visitors would put a huge strain on the local road network, with small, winding country lanes worn down by the constant traffic.
It added that the car park at Trout Farm is already “overflowing” during the summer months, a cause of “enormous frustration” for local residents.
A total of 102 third-party objections were also raised over increased congestion and pedestrian safety, as well as damage to the village’s historic character and noise pollution.
Years of construction work at Rosemary Cottage has caused a flood of complaints Credit: SWNS
The proposed works include replacing the failing roof on the utility room Credit: SWNS
Planners said that while the “scale and form” of the development was appropriate, the highway concerns were valid.
They said that “insufficient information” had been provided to assess pedestrian accessibility and safety.
“The application has therefore not demonstrated that safe and suitable access can be achieved for all users.”
Councillors unanimously rejected the proposal at a meeting on August 11.
The scenic English village has seen its fair share of tourist transgressions, including one couple who came home one day to find a Japanese family sitting in their lounge.
Retired freight agent Brian, 83, had left his front door open a typical practice in the low-crime village – to find the intruders digging into a picnic.
He said: “I did not know this at the time, but evidently it is customary in Japan that if you leave your front door open, it’s seen as an invitation for others to enter and enjoy your hospitality.
“I couldn’t believe my eyes when I walked through the front door and saw them all sat there stuffing their faces.”
It follows locals’ much-publicised planning feud with the owner of Rosemary Cottage, Metin Dener.
Residents have repeatedly complained that renovations at the cottage show nothing but “flagrant disregard” for the history of the area.
Villagers have described the “tiny” Grade II listed cottage’s conversion as a “monstrosity”, with building works blighting their lives for years on end.
Applicants have hit back however, claiming the “narrow access” to the site has meant work and deliveries have had to progress at a slow pace.
They said: “The contractors on this site have tried to inform residents of deliveries and material removals where possible, however communication has not always been possible to be maintained.”
