Owners of a Grade-II listed cottage on Arlington Row, widely considered 'England's prettiest street', are facing orders to demolish unauthorized renovations, including a large outdoor fireplace and chimney. Metin and Gulbin Dener, who purchased the property for £1.1 million in 2022, have been engaged in a prolonged dispute with neighbors and local authorities over a series of controversial additions to their home in the Cotswolds village of Bibury.
Cotswold District Council has refused retrospective planning permission for the outdoor fireplace, stating it is 'visually intrusive, uncharacteristic and overly engineered.' The council concluded that the works would 'erode the rural and historic character of the site' and fail to preserve the significance of the heritage assets, including the Grade I listed Arlington Row and the Bibury Conservation Area. While the harm is deemed 'less than substantial,' the council emphasized that 'great weight must be given to the conservation of designated heritage assets.'
The Deners have also undertaken other renovations, including the construction of an underground garage, an oak conservatory, and a stone summer house, some of which have reportedly been carried out without prior consent. These works have drawn significant criticism from local residents who claim the ongoing construction has turned the idyllic village into a 'war zone' and their cottage a 'monstrosity,' causing constant noise and disruption.
Bibury Parish Council had previously described the fireplace as 'huge' and 'not in keeping with the surroundings.' The decision by Cotswold District Council is a victory for villagers who have been complaining about the extensive works since 2023.
In response to the criticism, a representative for the Deners stated in April that previously approved and underway works have resulted in only a minimal increase to the property's footprint. They also noted that much of the construction over the past three years has been centered on essential mains drainage upgrades, which, due to the site's location and tourist traffic, have progressed slowly. The representative added that contractors have attempted to inform residents of delivery schedules but acknowledged that consistent communication has been challenging.
Other contentious applications by the couple included proposals to strip and replace traditional Cotswold stone slate roof tiles and add insulation to a utility room. Two palm trees, one adorned with fairy lights, were also added to the front garden. The addition of an underground car park was also met with resistance.
The Deners have expressed their affection for the Cotswolds, with Gulbin Dener having previously shared posts on social media expressing her love for Bibury. The couple, who also have a history of visiting high-end London locations, bought the cottage with renovation works beginning shortly thereafter. The ongoing construction and the subsequent planning disputes have continued to be a point of contention in the village.