Beyonce and Jay-Z are set to use a rich person planning loophole to build a huge rural estate in the UK.
The couple are said to have bought a 58-acre plot in the Cotswolds for their mansion, The Sun reports.
On the land is a derelict shack near an algae-filled lake. Permission has been granted for a spectacular seven-bed property.
Development is allowed under a special exemption clause in the government’s National Planning Policy Framework.
It gives permission for new homes in rural locations where planning would typically be refused.
To qualify the design must be of “exceptional quality … truly outstanding, reflecting the highest standards in architecture”.
It has been dubbed the “rich person clause” because of the millions of pounds required to override regular restrictions.
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Beyonce and Jay-Z are set to use a rich person planning loophole to build a huge rural estate in the UK. Picture: Getty
Planning permission for the development on the outskirts of Wigginton, Oxon, was granted in 2021 but work never started.
The plot was later marketed for £7.5 million ($A15 million) with the permission attached and has been sold — with Texas Hold ’Em singer Beyonce, 44, and 99 Problems rapper Jay-Z, 56, believed to be the purchasers.
The property listing stated: “Oxpens is totally unique. The site for the new house is at the head of a long drive that meanders through beautiful countryside to a magical woodland lake.
“The start of the drive is on the edge of the sought after village of Wigginton and within striking distance of Soho Farmhouse.
“Permission has been granted to create a large contemporary dwelling that part cantilevers over its own lake, has incredible room volumes throughout, will be exceptionally light and have stunning views over the countryside.
“The position and the permission are unrivalled.”
The plan for the property that Beyonce and Jay-Z are planning to build in the Cotswolds. Picture: Oxpens
Beyonce, Jay-Z and their children live in California but have made several trips to the area.
Stars Jeremy Clarkson, Claudia Winkleman and David and Victoria Beckham live nearby.
But locals have concerns about an influx of A-listers, saying they didn’t want limousines or paparazzi “swarming” around the village.
One resident, who moved there 12 years ago, told the Daily Mail: “I couldn’t believe they bought what it is – it is a shack.
“It is such a lovely quiet village you don’t want to have a lot of black limousines going up and down the road because they are going to have a lot of police escorts.
“My grandson will think this is wonderful that they are coming here.
“The houses will go up in price hugely and it is already a very expensive area to live because of where it is in Cotswolds.
“I think it will change the village. I have already got texts from lots of people saying ‘oh god you’ve got new neighbour’”.
David and Victoria Beckham live nearby. Picture: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
Locals are concerned about the influx of A-listers to the local area. Picture: Getty
Another local who moved in recently with her family told the outlet she hopes the village won’t be “swarming with helicopters and paparazzi”.
She said she used to live in LA and had move to Wigginton for a “calmer life”.
“I think it’s quite funny that we left LA because it was just a world that revolved around the entertainment industry and celebrity and now it’s here as well,” she said.
“I welcome everybody. I do think this area lacks diversity so I am all for it.
“I love Beyonce, she is amazing.”
A resident identified as David, 71, told the Daily Mail: “I don’t know much about Beyonce. Everybody has been looking her up to see what she’s like.
“I don’t think it will make much difference because we have already got David Beckham, Claudia Winkleman, all the people are here. It’s just another one isn’t it?”
Parts of this story first appeared in The Sun and was republished with permission.
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