Pretty 'Bridget Jones' village where major rule change has divided locals

Some inhabitants of a Cotswolds village featured in 'Bridget Jones's Diary' have slammed new harsh planning rules that would demand permission for even minor changes such as putting in a patio. Snowshill, the village that starred in the 2001 movie with its green and a local property acting as the home of the main character's parents, is frequently called the 'jewel of the Cotswolds'.

But it now comes under an Article 4 Direction by Tewkesbury Borough Council - which will bring in rigid regulations intended to protect its heritage. This means virtually any work or alterations to properties must gain council approval, including fitting patios or changing the colour of an external wall.

Additional modifications needing permission include replacing outside windows and doors, building porches, fitting roof lights or changing roofing materials, establishing or replacing hard surfaces in gardens, reports Gloucestershire Live.

Locals will also need approval to put up gates, fencing, or walls, paint building exteriors a different colour or fit or modify antennae or solar panels.

Several residents have expressed worries that the new regulations are overly costly and restrictive, whilst others feel they have been brought in too late.

Rose, a local in her 40s who relocated to Snowshill four years ago with her family, objects to the proposals, branding them as "too controlling". "I did write an objection but it has gone through anyway," she said.

"It has been a very painfully process. If now we want to do a fence it feels like we have already climbed a hill."

She said when they bought the property it was derelict so they had to do it up to be "habitable".

"It has been a very painful process. If now we want to do a fence it feels like we have already climbed a hill."

For Rose, the bigger issue is tourist that "cross the line".

"Tourism is changing the character of the village, not the house changes," she said.

"Preserving the village for tourists is not the best logic."

Kim, a long-term resident of 40 years, had conflicted views about the regulations.

She questioned how effective the plans would be, asking: "How are they going to regulate it? Unless somebody complains."

She added: "If you have got young children and if something happens to your fence why do you have to go through planning when all you want is to keep your child and the people around you safe.

"You can't change your front door, but what if it is damaged?"

"It costs you more to put planning in on Article 4 than planning application.

"I can see that people want to keep it a Cotswolds village but you've got to have a balance, but I think people will do whatever they want to their houses."

Sheila Wilks, 85, and her husband Peter Wilks, 84, believe the plans are positive, but lament that their village has already been 'ruined' by holiday lets.

Mrs Wilks said: "They have come too late. They have ruined the village.

"I have been here all my life 80 years and I just think people abused it.

"I hate change and I think we should preserve what we've got.

"Because we are in such a beautiful place people should keep it like this."

Their cottage was once the old village shop where Sheila, her mum and siblings were born. In 1965 they bought the house and haven't left ever since.

However, home remodelling isn't the only issue the couple faces - following films such as Bridget Jones, the couple said the landscape "has changed" and so they want to "preserve" the village.

Mr Wilks commented to say: "Most of the houses here are Airbnbs. It is disgusting. There are at least 12 Airbnbs in the village.

"We get about four mini buses a day. They do tend to block the roads occasionally.

"It was all working class people but now it doesn't seem to be that way at all. It does break up communities."

Paul, 66, and Sue Brereton, 66, who have lived in their cottage for eight years, agreed with the implementation of the regulations.

Mr Brereton said: "It is a very good idea and we wished it had come five years ago.

"A lot of metal windows have been changed to plastic windows."

The pair residing in a listed property claimed the fresh rules prove "more restrictive" than listing regulations themselves.

Paul explained: "I can't repaint the windows charcoal grey which I was planning to because I will need planning regulation which is quite expensive."

Terry, 71, and Pauline Rolls, 71, relocated to their home four years ago.

They insisted what matters most is preserving the village's character.

Mr Rolls declared: "We don't want the village wrecked with plastic windows.

"What we want is a little damage as possible. There are a few that have been damaged.

"People doing what they want to their home is not necessarily a good thing. It is all about keeping the character of the village."

Mr Rolls joked about how the rules could prevent residents from painting their windows and doors pink.

He remarked: "We could end up with Disneyland. It is not a NIMBY reaction but we need to keep some originality in this country."

He emphasised the importance of maintaining these properties 'the way they are' for future generations.

Councillor Sarah Hands, lead member for planning and place making at the borough council, stated: "Snowshill is one of the jewels of our borough, and these powers will help to protect its heritage, while still allowing thoughtful and appropriate development.

"We're grateful to everyone who took part in the consultation and helped shape this decision."

From Wednesday (October 1), applications will undergo the standard planning process, which includes advertisement and consultation, with standard fees applicable.

The decision to implement the Article 4 Direction was made at a Full Council meeting on July 29, 2025, following a period of consultation.