Home / Lifestyle / Cotswolds Village Erupts in Feud Over Painted Doors
Cotswolds Village Erupts in Feud Over Painted Doors
25 Oct
Summary
- Snowshill village divided over new planning rules restricting home renovations
- Residents clash over black doors and windows "not in character" with area
- Costs of planning permission fees frustrate locals
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."
