New planning rules divide villagers

LOCALS in a Cotswold village which featured in Bridget Jones's Diary have criticised strict new planning rules - which mean they'd need permission for a patio.

- FILIPA GASPAR

The Cotswold village of Snowshill, above, Renée Zellweger as Bridget Jones

(SWNS)

Snowshill appeared in the 2001 film where its green and a local house featured as the home of Bridget’s parents.

But as of this week the ‘jewel of the Cotswolds’ will come under an Article 4 Direction by Tewkesbury Borough Council ~ strict laws rules to protect its heritage.

It means virtually any work or alterations to buildings must be cleared by the authority - such as putting in patios or changing the colour of an exterior wall. That includes replacing exterior windows and doors, constructing porches, installing roof lights or changing roofing materials, creating or replacing hard surfaces in gardens.

Residents will also need a green light to install gates, fences, or walls, paint the exterior of buildings a new colour or installing or altering antennae or solar panels.

Some people complained that the new rules are too costly and restrictive - while others say they have come in too late.

Rose, in her 40s, who moved to Snowshill four years ago with her family, is against the plans, adding they are “too controlling”

“I did write an objection but it has gone through anyway,” she said. “It is very prohibitive in terms of what you can do to your home.”