Don’t Take That view! Gary goes to war with developers
TAKE THAT star Gary Barlow is at war with developers who want to build dozens of new properties near his Grade II-listed mansion.
The former X Factor judge’s £2.3 million property is located close to fields where builders plan to erect 54 homes in a move that has infuriated locals.
Multi-millionaire Barlow is backing neighbours who complain that the proposals would completely destroy the tiny West Oxfordshire village of Alvescot.
The parish council has also objected, arguing that the development would ‘destroy the sweeping vista across open country identified as a special characteristic of the village’.
The letter even singles out the pop star’s home, part of the picturesque village’s conservation area, saying the plans would ‘compromise its setting’.
The Mail on Sunday understands that a woman representing Barlow attended a packed public meeting earlier this month where residents aired their fears. According to one of those present, the woman raised objections, citing the fact that the star’s property is Grade II-listed.
Barlow, 46, bought the gated property with his wife Dawn in 2007. The couple have three children and keep a low profile in Alvescot.
Last night, a spokesman for the star said: ‘The Barlows share the concerns of the villagers raised at the parish council meeting but have no comment to make.’
Historic England has submitted a letter stating it has ‘concerns regarding the application on heritage grounds’, adding: ‘On the basis of the information submitted, the proposals would neither preserve nor enhance the character or appearance of the Alvescot Conservation Area… the impact would be likely to cause substantial harm to designated heritage assets.’
The quiet village features houses and cottages built from a mix of traditional red brick and honeycoloured Cotswold stone, and a pretty 17th Century church.
Ralph Mawle, who owns the land on which the properties would be built, declined to comment.
Plans submitted by Cerda Planning on behalf of Braemar Property Developments reveal that properties ranging from two to five bedrooms would be built on the site.
A statement by Cerda Planning said: ‘Braemar is carefully considering the comments raised. We are confident that the development would make a positive contribution to the village.’
‘This would completely destroy our little village’