Pippa Middleton Ordered to Remove ‘Unsightly’ Car Park at £15million Berkshire Estate After Losing Planning Appeal

Pippa Middleton has lost her attempt to keep a six-space car park built without planning permission at her £15million Berkshire estate, after neighbours objected to its impact on the surrounding countryside.

The Princess of Wales’ sister and her husband, James Matthews, sought retrospective approval after constructing the parking area last year. However, West Berkshire Council rejected the application following complaints from residents, and Middleton’s subsequent appeal was dismissed last month.

The decision leaves the original refusal in place, with planners concluding that the development is incompatible with the protected rural landscape.

Planners Raise Concerns Over Countryside Setting

The car park is situated within the Wessex Downs, an area subject to enhanced protections intended to preserve its landscape and scenic character.

In February, planning officials ruled that the development introduced an “urbanising and visually intrusive feature into a highly sensitive rural landscape.”

The assessment highlighted the scale and engineered appearance of the hardstanding, which planners said contrasted sharply with the otherwise open meadow.

Middleton’s appeal was later rejected amid continuing concerns about the effect on the area’s scenic qualities.

Residents in nearby Kintbury had also voiced strong objections.

One local described the parking area as “unsightly” and argued that it came at the expense of residents and the heritage of the village.

The resident claimed the application effectively sought to move parking away from the applicants’ view when entering Barton Court while transferring its visual impact elsewhere.

Another objector warned that placing hardstanding on agricultural land would change the appearance of Kintbury’s entrance and undermine its historic and rural character.

Flooding, River and Road Safety Concerns

The objections were not limited to appearance.

Questions were raised about whether motorists leaving the parking area had adequate visibility, creating potential road safety concerns.

There were also fears about the nearby River Kennet. Planners noted that no mitigation measures had been provided to protect the river from potential adverse effects.

One resident additionally warned that increasing the amount of hardstanding could lead to greater surface runoff and reduced flood-storage capacity, potentially worsening flooding on Station Road.

The objector argued this could result in more road closures and push traffic onto unsuitable country lanes.

Why the Couple Said the Car Park Was Needed

Middleton and Matthews purchased Barton Court for £15million in 2022.

Their chartered town planners, JPCC, explained in the retrospective application that the parking area was intended to provide seasonal spaces for anglers.

According to the application, anglers had historically used the small station car park opposite the estate’s gate. New restrictions meant that parking had become available only to rail passengers, requiring an alternative arrangement.

JPCC said the new hard surface could accommodate up to six vehicles and would only be used seasonally.

The explanation was ultimately insufficient to overturn the planning decision.

With Middleton’s appeal dismissed, the council’s original refusal remains in force.

Another Dispute at Barton Court

The planning controversy follows another disagreement between the couple and residents concerning access through their estate.

Grade I-listed Barton Court, situated on the River Kennet near Kintbury, previously belonged to the late retail entrepreneur Sir Terence Conran.

During Conran’s ownership, locals were permitted to use Mill Lane, which runs through the property.

After Middleton and Matthews moved to the estate in 2022 with their three children — Arthur, Grace and Rose — access to the lane was restricted with an electric gate. Signs stating “Private: No Public Access” and “No Trespassing” were also installed.

In response, 35 residents, supported by The Ramblers Association, applied to West Berkshire Council to have Mill Lane formally recognized as a public right of way.

A Planning Inspectorate inquiry began at the village hall in May, with Matthews attending and arguing that his family’s privacy and security concerns should take precedence.

Meanwhile, the separate dispute over the car park has reached a decisive stage: Middleton’s appeal has been dismissed, leaving the original decision to refuse planning permission intact.