David and Victoria Beckham recently found themselves at the center of a local controversy, captured together on a 1,000-square-foot private beach they allegedly neglected to disclose in the planning application for their £12 million Cotswolds estate.
The celebrity couple’s beach caught the eye of West Oxfordshire authorities following its appearance on television, prompting an investigation. Neighbors reportedly spotted the sandy retreat in the Beckhams’ new Netflix series, sparking further scrutiny from the district council.
In the series, Victoria, the former Spice Girl, and her husband David, showcased the man-made beach nestled within their expansive 43-acre property. The beach, which adjoins a sprawling artificial lake, became a focal point as the couple reflected emotionally on their aspirations and future together.
Originally, strict guidelines were imposed when constructing the kidney-shaped lake, ensuring it harmoniously blended with its rural setting. The planning documents detailed a vision of ‘organic parkland’ surroundings, complete with wildflower meadows and native trees to support local wildlife, including nesting birds, small animals, and insects.
This latest revelation has stirred conversation about compliance and transparency in development practices, as the Beckhams’ idyllic beach scene was not part of the publicized plans. The unfolding situation raises questions about adherence to local regulations and the potential impact on community relations.
Detailed notes and diagrams at the time said the surrounding area should be landscaped like an ‘organic parkland’, with wildflower meadows and native trees, and scrub and other plants to provide a habitat for nesting birds, small animals and insects.
David and Victoria were filmed looking out at their private sandbank as they reflected on its beauty.
The council is now investigating concerns the beach is not consistent with what was agreed.
David and Victoria Beckham have been pictured together on the 1,000 sq ft private beach they are accused of failing to mention in an application for their £12million Cotswolds home
In the new Victoria Beckham Netflix series, Lady Beckham and husband David (pictured) show off a man-made beach on their sprawling Cotswolds estate (also pictured) – a detail which has now attracted the attention of the local council
A source told The Sun: ‘Neighbours think it is totally out of character for the surrounding area and they are very twitchy around adhering to the rules.’
The safari tent near the beach was made by a firm owned by the couple’s mogul friend, Guy Ritchie.
The film director was once ordered to remove similar tents around lake at Ashcombe House in Wiltshire after they were spotted in a trailer for his Netflix series Gentlemen.
West Oxfordshire District Council confirmed: ‘A report of a planning breach has been received and will now be investigated.’
The Beckhams did not respond to a request for comment.
Last week it was revealed David had created his own oasis of peace in his Cotswolds garden.
The plot, which cost him tens if not hundreds of thousands of pounds, was shown in all its glory with radishes, carrots, kale and onions to name just a few.
Chickens and bees, as well as roses for Victoria and 14-year-old daughter Harper were also visible.
Sir David Beckham (pictured) is making the most of his outside space nine years after he and Lady Beckham bought their Cotswolds home
Sir David, 50, credited his maternal grandfather, Joe, with passing on his green fingers.
It comes as the former Manchester United star’s parents, Ted and Sandra, were never really into gardening.
He told the Daily Mail: ‘Grandad Joe would come to our house every Sunday to tend to the roses and, when he left, it would all look perfect.
‘Then he’d visit the Sunday after, only to find that all the heads had been knocked off the roses because I’d been kicking a football around.
‘As much as he loved me, I think that drove him mad!
‘Although I didn’t really plant anything with him, I showed an interest and he talked me through everything he was doing, so I think that’s where my love of gardening came from, even if I didn’t realise it at the time.’
