Pippa Middleton and her husband, James Matthews, have been ordered to remove an unauthorized car park constructed on their Berkshire estate after local authorities rejected their appeal against the refusal of retrospective planning permission. The car park, built last year on land within the North Wessex Downs National Landscape, was deemed by West Berkshire Council to be incompatible with the area’s rural character and natural beauty.
The council's planning officers ruled that the development introduced an "urbanising and visually intrusive" feature into a sensitive rural environment. The site, intended for use by fishermen and angling clubs, had previously been largely undeveloped meadowland contributing to the openness and tranquility of the village of Kintbury and its surrounding Kennet Valley. The North Wessex Downs is one of 46 designated National Landscapes in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, which receive greater protections to preserve scenic quality.
In February, planners determined that the size and engineered nature of the car park, along with adjacent hard standing and fencing, harmed the visual landscape and detracted from the area’s character. Concerns were also raised about the safety of vehicles exiting the car park, citing inadequate visibility, as well as the potential impact on the nearby River Kennet, a notable chalk stream. According to the council, no mitigation measures had been proposed to address possible environmental harm to the river ecosystem.
Local residents voiced strong objections, arguing that the car park detracted from the scenic approaches to Kintbury and damaged heritage values. Some suggested the facility served primarily to relocate parking out of sight from the Matthews’ residence, Barton Court, rather than meeting a broader community need. Others raised worries that developments on the surrounding floodplain could increase surface water runoff, reducing flood storage capacity and exacerbating flooding risks.
The couple’s planning representatives stated that anglers historically used a small station car park near the estate, which is now restricted exclusively to rail users, necessitating alternative parking arrangements. The newly installed hard surface accommodates up to six cars and is used seasonally, according to their retrospective planning application.
After a formal appeal submitted by Ms. Middleton and Mr. Matthews was dismissed on July 21, the council confirmed that the car park must be removed to restore the site’s original appearance and safeguard the area’s natural and visual qualities. The couple did not provide public comment in response to the decision.