LOCALS are outraged that their scenic village, once the backdrop to a beloved British TV series, could be swamped with 200 newbuilds.
The quaint community of Bampton, Oxfordshire, was once the location for the fictional Yorkshire village in Downton Abbey.
Residents in Bampton, Oxfordshire, are upset over plans to build 200 new homes in their village Credit: SWNS
The picturesque village was once the backdrop to beloved TV series Downton Abbey Credit: SWNS
ITV began filming on the cobbled streets of the picturesque village in 2010, with Bampton becoming a global tourist attraction almost overnight.
Several scenes in the series, including the Old Rectory and parish church, were filmed in the village – with the iconic Highclere Castle located just 40 miles away.
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Residents now fear plans for 200 new homes could risk overdeveloping the site, with several complaints lodged with the West Oxfordshire District Council.
Dr William Outhwaite wrote: “Bampton has already been massively damaged by excessive and insensitive building programmes which have overloaded its medical, educational and other infrastructure.
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Residents fear the new development will overwhelm their water infrastructure Credit: SWNS
Locals say bus loads of American arrive every day to admire the village Credit: SWNS
Fabrizio Manerba, who lives in the main square, says tourists regularly linger in his driveway Credit: SWNS
Developers Hourigans Planning said the site would offer 40 per cent affordable housing Credit: SWNS
“This proposal would add the loss of agricultural land and of a still attractive site on the edge of the village.”
Hourigan Planning submitted a blueprint for 190 homes, 40 per cent of which they claim would be affordable housing.
But many locals fear the added strain on resources and existing infrastructure could cause flooding, as seen back in 2007.
One said: “We moved here 28 years ago because we wanted to live in a village – it’s a shame how places like Bampton become overdeveloped with no real infrastructure to cope with such influx of houses.
One photo posted online appeared to show tourists taking photos of someone’s property Credit: Twitter – @markchristie
A few of the houses in Bampton featured in Downton Abbey Credit: David Hartley
”Very sad that countryside is being lost at such a colossal rate affecting wildlife and country life.”
Another asked: “Do we really need more homes?
“My water pressure is already poor and no need to mention doctors appointments.”
Locals have previously spoken out about the perils of living in a tourist hotspot – despite the handsome cash flow – with many objecting to the “brash American accents” on their doorsteps.
Bus loads of American fans, intrigued by the historical drama’s depiction of early 20th-century Britain, come armed with cameras and selfie sticks to Bampton.
“My friend overheard a tour guide say that Bampton was nothing before Downton Abbey,” said village local Fabrizio Manerba, 62.
”Let me tell you – Bampton was a beautiful, expensive place to live long beforehand.”
Just last year, the village was named as one of the most beautiful chocolate box villages in England, according to Independent Cottages.
Qualifying factors include the number of historic buildings, the oldest recorded existence of the village and whether it’s classed as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Fabrizio, who lives in the main square, complains that the tourists often stand in his driveway and “just go everywhere”.
Around 10 buses a day were seen during the town’s peak popularity, according to locals, with visitors lingering and posing for photographs.
A spokesperson for Hourigan Planning said: “The scheme would comprise a mix of both open market homes and affordable homes, and includes significant areas of accessible open space.”
