Home / Lifestyle / Cotswold Village Residents Divided Over Strict New Planning Rules
Cotswold Village Residents Divided Over Strict New Planning Rules
30 Sep
Summary
- Snowshill, Gloucestershire, featured in Bridget Jones' Diary, now under Article 4 Direction
- New rules require permission for even minor home changes like patios or exterior paint
- Residents split, some see rules as too restrictive while others want to preserve village's heritage
As of September 30th, 2025, the picturesque Cotswold village of Snowshill, Gloucestershire, which served as the setting for a village green and the home of Bridget Jones's parents in the 2001 film, has come under an Article 4 Direction by Tewkesbury Borough Council. This means that virtually any work or alterations to buildings in the village must now be cleared by the local authority, including changes as simple as installing a patio or repainting an exterior wall.
The new regulations have sparked a divide among Snowshill's residents. Some, like Rose, who moved to the village four years ago, see the rules as "too controlling" and a "very painful process" if they want to make even minor changes to their homes. Others, such as long-time residents Sheila and Peter Wilks, welcome the move, believing it is necessary to preserve the village's exceptional beauty and character, which they feel has already been "ruined" by the influx of holiday rentals and tourists.
While some, like neighbor Kim, question the practicality and enforcement of the new rules, the majority of residents seem to agree that maintaining Snowshill's quintessential Cotswold charm is of paramount importance, even if it means navigating a more restrictive planning process. As Councillor Sarah Hands stated, these new powers will help protect the village's heritage while still allowing "thoughtful and appropriate development."
