Restrictions could be issued for Cotswold village

A row of traditional houses in the Cotswold village of Snowshill

New restrictions could be brought in to stop people living in a picturesque village in the Cotswolds changing windows or installing solar panels, without planning permission.

Tewkesbury Borough Council is considering the introduction of an 'Article 4 Direction' for Snowshill Village, in Gloucestershire.

The Council said the majority of buildings in the village are not listed and are at risk from changes that could have a significantly harmful effect on the character and appearance of the village, which is in a conservation area.

If approved, the change would mean villagers having to apply to make changes to their homes that would not ordinarily need such permission.

St Barnabas Church was used to film scenes for Bridget Jones' Diary

Snowshill is known for its historic or traditionally styled buildings and stunning scenery and was once used to shoot the Christmas scenes for the first Bridget Jones' Diary movie.

An Article 4 Direction enables the Council to withdraw specified permitted development rights across defined areas.

It can either identify a whole area or just a few targeted buildings within a conservation area.

Councillor Mary Jordan, lead member for planning and place making, said:

“It doesn’t mean that residents won’t be able to do these alteration or improvements to their homes, it just means they will have to apply for planning permission to do them.

“It is one of the quintessential Cotswold villages and this is an attempt to have some element of control to maintain this image and preserve the setting for future generations.

Ms Jordan said an Article 4 Direction would not begin immediately, a public consultation would have to be held before any final decision was made.

“I expect there to be some opposition to this. This is a process and we will now have a six week consultation period which will start early in the New Year.

"All of the residents of Snowshill will be sent a letter and there will also be a consult event in the local village hall, where residents can come an express their opinions.”