At a glance…
- Pippa Middleton and James Matthews relocated to Berkshire in 2022 with their children.
- The 150 acre estate is reportedly worth $23 million.
- Many adjustments to the estate have ‘angered’ local residents, particularly their latest unapproved structure. Read the full story below.
The Princess of Wales’ younger sister, Pippa Middleton and her husband James Matthews have reportedly upset neighbours with latest build.
With her hedge fund manager husband and three children: Arthur, Grace, and Rose, moved to a multi-million dollar home in Berkshire, UK, in 2022. The 32-room Georgian mansion is reportedly worth $23 million, spanning 150 acres.
The Times have now reported Pippa has “shocked” locals after building a car park on a meadow near her estate without planning permission. Council documents seen by the publication noted the “visually intrusive and urbanised” private development broke planning rules.
Locals further claimed the build “eroded” the rural character of the North Wessex Downs, a beautifully preserved grassland landscape in England.
The couple argued in a follow-up application that the parking space was to be used by anglers and therefore supported the “wider upkeep of the land.”
The family generate income by selling fishing rights along the River Kennet at their Barton Court estate. Along with a Head Riverkeeper on site, they offer day rentals with rods cost $428 AUD and team days for businesses.
However, inspectors found the size of the development “directly harmed the local landscape.” Therefore, the couple must dismantle the structure. The Telegraph reported that Pippa and James’ appeal to overturn the ruling was dismissed in July.
In October, the couple won a planning battle that prevented the public from using part of their driveway as a public footpath. The path was connected to a 12th-century church.
After the family moved to the home, the West Berkshire Ramblers applied to legally recognise the path. But a planning inspector declined the appeal due to its infrequent use. Due to the family’s connection to the British royal family, James insisted there was a “need for a higher level of security than would otherwise be the case.”
A member of the public told The Times that there was “residual anger” given the path had been open for decades.
