Oxford News
David and Victoria Beckham win battle over Love Island plans
The celebrity couple were granted planning permission back in 2020 for a kidney-shaped pond in the sprawling gardens of their Cotswold mansion.
But the green light was only given with extremely specific conditions to ensure it would “sit well within its rural context.”
Concern had previously been raised that the Beckhams had overstepped the planning consent when the pond and a ‘private beach’ appeared in a Netflix documentary.
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A fresh planning application has now been approved to satisfy two conditions laid out when the Beckhams were later granted permission for the “enlargement of approved pond and inclusion of an island”.
The Beckhams, who have previously been accused of ‘drip-feeding’ applications, are now seeking additional planning permission to build an extra section of driveway within their garden.
They want to link their driveway to a recently approved new access road from Ledwell Lane that was built to avoid having to use a single-lane cul-de-sac described as the sole access to Soho Farmhouse.
The couple were told that before the site comes into use, details of external lighting must be submitted and approved in writing by the local planning authority.
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They had to show the type and location of the lighting so it could be “clearly demonstrated that light spillage into wildlife corridors will be minimised as much as possible.”
The council said: “Under no circumstances should any other external lighting be installed without prior consent from the local planning authority.”
This was to “protect foraging and commuting bats” the report added.
The second condition the Beckhams have now been given permission to discharge is the requirement to submit a comprehensive landscape scheme.
The council added: “The scheme must show details of all planting areas, tree and plant species, numbers and planting sizes.
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“The proposed means of enclosure and screening should also be included, together with details of any mounding, walls and fences and hard surface materials to be used throughout the proposed development.”
As part of the freshly approved application, Portus + Whitton set out a framework for maintenance of the site for a five year period.
Images produced by the Beckhams also showed the type of lighting and the location of trees that are planned by them.
A decision on the application was made by West Oxfordshire Council earlier this month.
The Beckhams have previously submitted multiple applications for work at their Grade-II listed country house.
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Since buying the three listed barns for £6,150,000 in 2016, the couple have added a new driveway and gates, an additional garage outbuilding, a tennis court, a treehouse, a security hut, an extension to the garage outbuilding and a landscaped pond.
One angry neighbour said earlier he “wouldn’t be surprised if the celebrity couple applied for a funfair ride to be installed in the garden”.
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The Beckhams also want to replace a short section of temporary construction track from the boundary of their garden to the machinery store.
When the access lane to Ledwell Lane was approved, the couple angered neighbours over plans to build a new access road to their Cotswolds home to try to avoid traffic heading to Soho Farmhouse.
The celebrity pair have applied for planning permission to turn an agricultural track into a tarmac-laid access for their Maplewood Barn home.
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They have applied to West Oxfordshire District Council for a change of use of part of the existing agricultural track to form a secondary residential access.
The couple want to extend the track to connect to their existing driveway and improve the existing dropped kerb access and gates onto Ledwell Lane.
The Beckhams said previously through a representative: “Ledwell Lane is a two-way rural road operating within capacity with a benign collision record; Tracey Lane is a single-track cul-de-sac serving residential properties, Great Tew Estate land and the only visitor access to Soho Farmhouse, experiencing high traffic and frequent conflicts and delays at peak periods.”
But the bid was met with criticism from neighbours, and one wrote in an objection: “The house already has a perfectly serviceable access road, so why is another stretch of tarmac laid through the woods deemed a good idea.
A decision on the new driveway access will be made by West Oxfordshire District Council at a later date.
The Highcroft Investment Report 2026 shows that the local area around Berkeley’s Highcroft development in Wallingford has become one of the county’s most compelling property investment locations.
Wallingford’s appeal is already being recognised more widely, with Wallingford ranked the number one best place to live in Oxfordshire and one of the top 50 in England and Wales.
Set on the River Thames, it has a historic town centre, independent shops, riverside walks and easy access to the Chilterns.
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The report, commissioned by Berkeley and prepared by PriceHubble and Dataloft, shows that property values in the local area have risen sharply.
This is a rise of 15.1 per cent over the past five years, outperforming South Oxfordshire, Oxford, the South East and Greater London.
In fact, the local area has seen five times stronger growth than Greater London, and national sales prices are forecast to grow by a further 20.4 per cent by 2030.
Rental performance reflects this demand, with average rents in the local area around Highcroft having risen by 38 per cent over the past five years, with a further 17.6 per cent rental growth forecast across the UK by 2030.
At the same time, Wallingford continues to offer relative value compared with nearby higher-priced locations.
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Average sales prices are up to 24 per cent lower than Oxford and 30 per cent lower than Greater London.
Set close to Wallingford town centre and the River Thames, the Highcroft offers a thriving new community with a collection of two- to five-bedroom homes set within 18 acres of open space in South Oxfordshire.
The development is well placed for commuters, with Didcot Parkway station just a 13-minute drive away.
According to the report by PriceHubble and Dataloft, 57,620 jobs are accessible within a 60-minute public transport commute of the development, with 33 per cent of those jobs in scientific, professional, financial and tech sectors.
Stephen Kirwan, managing director, said: “Wallingford offers a rare combination of historic market town living, strong connectivity and access to major employment hubs across Oxfordshire, Berkshire and London.
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“The report shows that the local area around Highcroft has delivered strong price growth over the past five years, while still offering relative value compared with Oxford and Greater London.
“For buyers and investors, that combination of lifestyle and connectivity with long-term growth potential is increasingly compelling.
“At Highcroft, we are creating a new community that reflects the character of Wallingford while supporting the area with new homes, green space, education, infrastructure and local amenities.”
As part of the wider plans for Highcroft, Berkeley is delivering 555 new homes, alongside more than £11.6 million of investment in local infrastructure.
The development includes a new primary school, 2.2 acres of sports pitches, play areas, allotments, a new bus route, footpath connections and around 18 acres of open space.
Homes at Highcroft start from £415,000.
It was recently announced that The Oxford Union (OU) will host far-right activist Tommy Robinson for a debate on Islam
This will take place on Wednesday (June 17), despite outcry from faith leaders, local politicians and campaign groups.
The student debate society has advertised a debate on social media titled The West Is Right To Be Suspicious Of Islam.
READ MORE: Police arrest man outside Oxfordshire theatre and charged
Speakers include Mr Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, alongside fellow far-right voice Laurence Fox, opposed by others including former Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg.
Now, Councillor Susan Brown, leader of Oxford City Council, has issued a statement, revealing there will be a police presence in the city.
“I am deeply concerned by The Oxford Union’s decision to host Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson, at its debate on Wednesday,” she said.
“Oxford is a proudly diverse, multicultural city. Whilst we are committed to free speech and open debate, that must be balanced against ensuring all our residents can live free from hatred, intimidation and harm.
“Faith leaders and members of our communities have already voiced their strong opposition to this invitation, and I stand with them.
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“I urge the Oxford Union to reflect seriously on the consequences of its choices – not only for its own reputation, but the message this event sends about Oxford and its values.
“A large-scale security operation is being prepared, involving extensive police resources and road closures.
“This will cause considerable disruption for local residents and businesses, and comes at a substantial cost.
“The Oxford Union must meet the full costs of staging their event, rather than leaving Oxford’s taxpayers to pick up the bill.”
The incident took place on Tuesday (June 9) in the car park of The Beacon in Wantage.
A 34-year-old man was arrested, charged, and remanded for possession with intent to supply, and his vehicle was seized.
This was after 32 wraps of Class A drugs and a “significant amount of cash” were found on him.
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Thames Valley Police posted an update on their South Oxon and Vale of White Horse Facebook page this morning (Monday, June 15).
The statement said: “On June 9, 2026, our team was out looking for a vehicle that had recently piqued our interest. We located it in the car park of The Beacon.
“Now, he might have been there to pick up tickets for the open mic night, Rory Bremner, or even Noasis (who are there next week and apparently very good), but it was far more likely he was there to deal.
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“A search confirmed our suspicions: 32 wraps of Class A and a significant amount of cash were found on him.
“Thanks to previous chases, we blocked him in early and ensured he was safely detained.
“A 34‑year‑old male from outside the area was arrested, charged, and remanded for Possession With Intent to Supply. The vehicle was seized.”
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