Rupert Lowe's Farm Development Plans Spark Local Opposition
The Reform UK founder faces objections from neighbors and a council officer over proposed barn conversions.
Rupert Lowe, a former leader of the Reform UK party and now head of the rival anti-immigration group Restore Britain, is involved in a dispute over his plans to convert a barn on his Gloucestershire estate into a home with an annexe and garage. Lowe, who made his fortune in investment banking and private equity, also served as chairman of Southampton Football Club.
His development proposals have drawn criticism from locals, including Rose Vestey, whose sister-in-law was a close friend of Queen Elizabeth II. Vestey has lodged a complaint with the local council, arguing that the scheme is out of character with the area. Another objector has voiced concerns about potential further development.
A council biodiversity officer has also raised issues, warning that the project could negatively impact the protected Cotswold Beechwoods and that additional residents might increase pressure on local wildlife.
This is not the first time Lowe's building plans have encountered difficulties. In 2023, a proposal to convert five derelict barns into homes was rejected by the council. Lowe's appeal against this decision was dismissed by a planning inspector who cited the design as "insensitive" and detrimental to the agricultural character and landscape.
Lowe maintains that his plans aim to restore "dilapidated and destroyed old barns" and insists the development does not involve farmland.
In separate news from the same report, actor and comedian Sharon Horgan admitted to casting a woman her ex-boyfriend cheated on her with as an extra in one of her shows. She described the act as "the best fun for me." Meanwhile, Rachel Reeves, the UK's Shadow Chancellor, has reportedly signed with a speakers' agency, a move that prompted a journalist to recall a past description of her voice as being like "a robot with a bunged-up nose."
George Harrison's widow, Olivia, shared that the former Beatle gave his Oscar for the film Let It Be to his friend Sir Michael Palin, who later returned it after Harrison's death. Boris Becker's ex-wife, Lilly Becker, has returned to London after a four-year relationship ended, stating she is "done" with men and enjoys her independence. Separately, a documentary about tech fraudster Elizabeth Holmes reportedly mocked Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Netflix series, with a co-director calling it "not a real documentary."
Additionally, the King's Foundation has received a £9.27 million donation from the Julia Rausing Trust. This funding will support a 'nature-led wellbeing' center at Highgrove, the King's Gloucestershire residence, which is set to include a maze opening next spring.