Beyonce and Jay Z’s new Cotswolds home that relies on a ‘rich person loophole’ | Celebrity News | Showbiz & TV

Beyonce and Jay-Z are reportedly set to take advantage of a “rich person” planning clause that would allow them to build a sprawling estate in the Cotswolds. The music icons are said to be in the final stages of purchasing a huge estate on the outskirts of Wigginton, having secured planning permission for a “stunning rural property”.

Planning permission for a development was granted by Cherwell District Council in 2021 under a specific clause (NPPF paragraph 80) which allows the construction of “architecturally significant buildings” in locations where planning would otherwise be refused. This clause has been called the “rich person clause” because of the amount of money and investment required to override normal planning restrictions.

Pictures of the sprawling plot show a derelict “cottage” and moss-filled lake where the stars are set to build their new mansion overlooking a lake in the sleepy Oxfordshire hotspot.

The village has no pubs or shops, but it does have two churches and a book exchange open to the public.

It’s not far from Soho Farmhouse, the exclusive private members club that’s a favorite of Meghan Markle and nearby celebrity neighbors David and Victoria Beckham.

The owner sold the land with planning permission attached after it was marketed for £7.5 million, but that figure was expected to rise significantly once the house was built.

The listing details an 18-acre site with permission to build a “large contemporary” house with seven bedrooms, seven reception rooms and seven bathrooms.

It said: “Oxpens is completely unique. The site of the new home sits at the head of a long path through beautiful countryside to a magical woodland lake.

“The start of the journey is located on the edge of the popular and sought-after village of Wigginton, in a highly accessible location and within striking distance of Chipping Norton and Soho Farmhouse.

“Permission has been given to create a grand contemporary residence that cantilevers over its own lake, will have incredible room volumes throughout, will be extremely lightweight and will have stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Its location and clearance are second to none.”

The listing states that the home is currently sold under contract and is no longer on the market. It is not known at what stage the sale to the famous couple is, but local people claim that the sale is in the “final stages”.

Seymour-Smith Architects said Oxpens was the fifth project to receive planning approval under NPPF paragraph 80.

When planning permission was granted in 2021, the architects explained that the land on which the ash field and man-made lake is located was in a “poor state” but “still full of quite magical and exciting potential”.

His brief included a multi-generational home where three households could live independently while being interconnected.

“It was important that each one had its own entrance, living area, etc., and had its own outside space, but at the same time it was not three houses, but one house that could be lived in different ways,” they said.

“The house will be reshaped and further developed, nestled among the trees, adjacent to the water and partially protruding dramatically above the water.”

Some locals previously said they were not very aware of his business and expressed concern about the possible rise in house prices, while others said they did not want limousines or paparazzi “swarming” around the village.

David, 71, who has lived in the area for more than 60 years, admitted that building a house on the lake was “a big project” but described it as a “nice idea” that was “very romantic and beautiful”.

“I don’t think it’s going to make much of a difference because we already have David Beckham, Claudia Winkleman, all the people here. It’s just one more, right?”

Another local, who moved to the area 12 years ago, said they “couldn’t believe” they had bought a “cottage”. He added: “It’s such a beautiful, quiet village that you don’t want a bunch of black limousines going up and down the road because there will be lots of police escorts. “My grandson will think it’s great they came here.

“House prices are going to go up massively and because of its location in the Cotswolds it’s already a very expensive area to live in. I think it’s going to change the village. I’ve already had a lot of messages from people saying ‘oh my god, you’ve got new neighbours’.”

Another woman, who recently moved in with her parents, said she hoped the village would not be “infested with helicopters and paparazzi.” He said he lived in Los Angeles and moved to Wigginton for a “quieter life.”