Beckhams’ tree house steps up planning row

♦ David and Victoria Beckham have been accused of “making a mockery” of the planning process after applying for permission to construct a tree house at their £6million Oxfordshire mansion, despite claims it has already been built.

The couple bought the property in Great Tew, near Chipping Norton, for £6.1million in December 2016. The home, which comprises three Grade-ii listed barns linked in an E-shaped pattern, is nearing completion but the application for a treehouse received some negative comments.

David Holland, a village resident, said: “I feel it makes a mockery of the planning procedure... Normal folk would be made to take this down and apply for permission using the proper procedure.”

Sarah Holland, the clerk of Great Tew parish council, said: “The tree house is built and has been for at least two weeks. I am unsure what use any comments regarding it would do seeing as it’s already there.”

The application, dated Dec 12, states that work is yet to begin on the tree house. A spokesman for the couple confirmed the information was correct but declined to comment further.