Luxury Venue Fields Turned Scrap Yard

Fields next to the historic Cliveden House hotel in Berkshire have allegedly been destroyed and turned into a scrapyard by suspected travellers. Residents living nearby describe the situation as 'hell', with dozens of caravans and old cars dumped in the fields, creating what they call a 'bombsite' and 'scrap yard'. The unsightly transformation is also a concern for businesses associated with the luxurious venue, fearing it will deter their high-end clientele.

Locals have reported continuous noise and traffic, with the fields being used for activities including car and metal scrapping, and even a paint booth. The issue has persisted for over a year, exacerbating residents' unhappiness. Buckinghamshire Council has been involved, with an enforcement notice previously issued for breaches of use, and an appeal by the landowners was unsuccessful. A closure notice was issued by Thames Valley Police in November 2025, and the site owners must remove the materials by April 2, 2026, though locals feel enforcement action is still ongoing.

Cliveden House, a Grade I listed mansion, has a storied past, hosting figures like Winston Churchill, members of the royal family including Meghan Markle and Queen Victoria, and celebrities such as Liam Gallagher. Its historical significance and status as a premier wedding venue, with rooms costing up to £650 per night and the entire venue hire over £35,000 a day, stand in stark contrast to the current state of the adjacent fields.