Cotswolds Village Erupts in Feud Over Painted Doors

As of October 2025, the quaint Cotswolds village of Snowshill has found itself at the center of a bitter feud over new planning regulations that limit homeowners' ability to make exterior changes to their properties.

A small group of residents, led by the owner of the house featured in the Bridget Jones's Diary film, have successfully lobbied the local council to implement stricter rules on alterations like painting front doors or installing new windows. They argue these modifications are eroding the village's historic charm and traditional character.

However, many other Snowshill locals are up in arms over the new "Article 4" directive, which now requires them to seek planning permission and pay hefty fees for even minor home improvements. Residents complain the rules are "crazy" and "totally unnecessary," with one describing the changes as the work of "busy-bodies with too much time on their hands."

The conflict has divided the close-knit community of just 160 residents, around half of whom now own second homes or holiday rentals. While some support preserving Snowshill's picturesque Cotswolds aesthetic, others feel the new regulations go too far in restricting personal property rights. The debate has become so heated that it has even pitted longtime villagers against more recent arrivals.

As the dust settles on the new planning rules, it remains to be seen whether Snowshill can find a way to balance heritage preservation with the needs and desires of its diverse residents.