Woodbine Cottage, Windrush, OX184TU
Woodbine Cottage, Windrush, OX184TU
The Issue
RESIDENTS' PETITION TO COTSWOLD DISTRICT COUNCIL
Request for Formal Investigation and Appropriate Action in Respect of
Woodbine Cottage, Windrush, OX18 4TU
Submitted by residents and supporters of the village of Windrush
Planning records most recently reviewed by petitioners: 25 August 2026
Property concerned
Woodbine Cottage, Windrush, OX18 4TU
Purpose
Request for formal investigation and appropriate action
1. PURPOSE OF THIS PETITION
We, the undersigned residents and supporters of the village of Windrush, respectfully request that Cotswold District Council (“CDC”) formally investigate the planning status, development, alterations and current operation of Woodbine Cottage, Windrush, OX18 4TU.
Our concerns arise from a number of changes which appear to have taken place at the property, including:
the change from the property's historic use as a four-bedroom domestic dwelling to its current operation as five-bedroom commercial short-term holiday accommodation;
the conversion of a downstairs room to create a fifth bedroom;
a number of significant external alterations;
the construction of four substantial cut-stone buttresses;
the removal of an existing wooden porch and its replacement with a new cut-stone porch;
the construction of substantial raised timber decking in the front garden;
the installation of a full-size hot tub and associated open-fronted structure on that decking, subsequently removed following action relating to a National Trust covenant affecting the property;
the parking and highway implications arising from groups of up to approximately ten guests arriving in multiple vehicles; and
the cumulative effect of these changes upon the character and appearance of the Windrush Conservation Area within an AONB
The petitioners understand that Woodbine Cottage is not itself a listed building, but that it lies within the designated Windrush Conservation Area and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. AONB now known as National Landscapes.
The purpose of this petition is not to prejudge the outcome of any investigation. We ask CDC to establish the facts, determine the lawful planning position and, where a breach of planning control or other relevant regulatory matter is identified, take such proportionate action as it considers appropriate.
2. THE PROPERTY AND ITS HISTORIC USE
Woodbine Cottage is situated in the historic village of Windrush and within the designated Windrush Conservation Area.
The cottage itself is not listed.
The property has historically been operated as a private domestic dwelling house and previously comprised four bedrooms.
Its historic residential use is therefore materially different from its present operation as commercial short-term visitor accommodation.
3. CURRENT USE AS COMMERCIAL SHORT-TERM HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION
Woodbine Cottage is currently operated as a commercial short-term holiday letting property. The property is advertised through established online accommodation platforms, including Airbnb and Booking.com, and is made available to paying guests for short-term holiday and visitor stays.
The property now provides five double bedrooms. Groups of up to approximately ten guests may occupy the property. The petitioners understand that guests occupy the property on a temporary holiday or visitor basis rather than as their sole or principal residence.
The petitioners therefore ask CDC to determine:
whether the current use constitutes a material change from the property's historic domestic residential use;
whether planning permission was required for that change of use;
whether any planning permission or other relevant planning approval exists; and
whether the current scale and intensity of the use is lawful.
4. CREATION OF THE FIFTH BEDROOM
Historically, Woodbine Cottage was a four-bedroom dwelling. A former downstairs room has subsequently been converted to provide a fifth guest bedroom.
The petitioners request that CDC establish:
the former use of the downstairs room;
the nature and extent of the works undertaken to create the fifth bedroom;
when those works were carried out;
whether the works constituted development requiring planning permission;
whether any permitted development rights apply;
whether Building Regulations approval was required and obtained; and
whether the resulting five-bedroom configuration forms part of the current commercial short-term holiday use.
5. EXTERNAL ALTERATIONS
In addition to the change of use and internal conversion, the petitioners are concerned about a number of significant external alterations.
Woodbine Cottage has no rear garden and its front garden is adjacent to, and visually associated with, the village green. Consequently, alterations and structures within the front garden are particularly prominent and readily visible from the village centre and public viewpoints.
The petitioners therefore request that the following works be investigated individually and cumulatively.
5.1 FOUR NEW CUT-STONE BUTTRESSES
Four substantial buttresses have been constructed to support a failing wall. Each buttress is understood to be approximately 2 metres high and approximately 600 mm square.
The buttresses have been constructed using new cut stone and represent substantial physical additions to the existing wall.
The petitioners ask CDC to establish:
when the buttresses were constructed;
the condition and previous form of the wall;
the precise dimensions and design of the buttresses;
the materials used;
whether their construction constituted development requiring planning permission;
whether permitted development rights apply;
whether any other consent was required;
whether any application or approval exists; and
whether the works preserve or cause harm to the character and appearance of the Windrush Conservation Area.
5.2 REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT OF WOODEN PORCH
An existing wooden porch, understood to have been in poor condition, was removed and replaced by a new porch constructed in cut stone.
The petitioners ask CDC to establish:
the dimensions and appearance of the original porch;
the dimensions and appearance of the replacement porch;
the extent of the works involved;
whether the replacement constituted development requiring planning permission;
whether permitted development rights apply; and
whether any planning application or other approval exists.
The petitioners further ask that the replacement be assessed having regard to the property's location within the Windrush Conservation Area.
5.3 RAISED TIMBER DECKING IN THE FRONT GARDEN
A substantial area of softwood decking was constructed within the front garden. The decking is understood to have been approximately 600 mm or more above surrounding ground level in places.
Its location in the front garden made it readily visible from the centre of Windrush and from public viewpoints. Given the property's position adjacent to the village green and the absence of a rear garden, the petitioners consider that this was a particularly prominent intervention within the historic village environment.
The petitioners ask CDC to establish:
the dimensions and extent of the decking;
its maximum height above ground level;
when it was constructed;
whether it constituted development requiring planning permission;
whether permitted development rights apply;
whether any application or approval exists; and
whether the structure affected the character and appearance of the Conservation Area.
5.4 HOT TUB AND ASSOCIATED OPEN-TOPPED STRUCTURE
A full-size hot tub was installed on the raised decking. An associated open-fronted shed was also erected. The combined installation created a substantial and visually prominent feature within the front garden.
The Hot tub and associated structure have subsequently been removed. The petitioners understand that the removal followed enforcement action relating to violation of a National Trust covenant affecting the property which was not a planning issue.
The petitioners recognise that a private covenant is separate from the planning system and that a covenant matter does not, by itself, establish a breach of planning control.
Nevertheless, the history is relevant to the circumstances surrounding the development and the petitioners request that CDC establish whether the decking, hot tub, associated structure, or any associated engineering or construction works required planning permission or other consent.
The petitioners also request that CDC determine whether the subsequent removal of these structures affects its ability or responsibility to investigate whether a breach of planning control occurred while they were in place.
6. WINDRUSH CONSERVATION AREA
Woodbine Cottage lies within the designated Windrush Conservation Area and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Although Woodbine Cottage is not itself listed, the petitioners consider that its location within the historic village and its prominent relationship with the village green make the external appearance of the property a significant planning consideration.
The petitioners therefore request that CDC assess the identified works and current use having regard to:
the character and appearance of the Conservation Area;
the historic character of the village;
the visual prominence of the property;
the materials and design of the external alterations;
the effect of structures within the front garden;
the cumulative effect of the alterations; and
any relevant conservation-area policies or controls.
The petitioners do not seek to assert that every alteration necessarily required planning permission. We ask CDC to determine that question formally.
7. PARKING AND HIGHWAY CONCERNS
Woodbine Cottage has only two designated on-site parking spaces. The current accommodation can accommodate groups of up to approximately ten guests, and such groups may arrive in multiple separate vehicles.
Where the number of vehicles exceeds the two designated spaces, additional vehicles have historically parked on roads within the village. The petitioners do not assert that every instance of roadside parking is necessarily unlawful.
Rather, we ask CDC, in consultation with the appropriate Highway Authority where necessary, to assess the parking demand generated by the current use, including:
the number of vehicles reasonably likely to be generated by five-bedroom holiday accommodation;
the adequacy of the two designated parking spaces;
the effect of additional vehicles parking on village roads;
highway safety and visibility;
access to neighbouring properties and emergency access;
pedestrian movement;
the effect of parking upon the historic village environment; and
whether the parking demand represents an unacceptable consequence of the current use.
8. RESIDENTIAL AMENITY AND VILLAGE CHARACTER
The petitioners are concerned that the current operation may have a materially different impact from the property's historic use as a four-bedroom private dwelling.
We therefore ask CDC to assess the effect of the current use upon:
neighbouring residential amenity;
noise and disturbance;
guest arrivals and departures;
vehicle movements and parking;
waste and refuse;
intensity of occupation;
visual character;
the character of the village; and
the character and appearance of the Windrush Conservation Area.
The petitioners are not suggesting that short-term holiday accommodation is inherently unacceptable. Our concern is whether this particular use, at this particular scale and in this particular location, has been properly assessed through the planning system.
9. CUMULATIVE EFFECT
The petitioners respectfully ask CDC to consider the cumulative effect of the changes at Woodbine Cottage, rather than considering each matter entirely in isolation.
The property has changed from a historic four-bedroom domestic dwelling to a five-bedroom commercial short-term holiday accommodation business. In addition, the following physical changes have taken place or are understood to have taken place:
conversion of a downstairs room to create a fifth bedroom;
construction of four substantial new cut-stone buttresses;
removal of an existing wooden porch and construction of a new cut-stone porch;
construction of substantial raised timber decking in the front garden;
installation of a full-size hot tub;
erection of an associated open-fronted structure; and
subsequent removal of the hot tub and associated structure following action relating to a National Trust covenant.
These matters, together with the increased intensity of use and associated parking demand, represent a significant series of physical and operational changes to a property located within the Windrush Conservation Area and in a prominent position adjacent to the village green.
10. REVIEW OF PUBLICLY AVAILABLE PLANNING RECORDS
The petitioners regularly monitor and review the publicly available planning records maintained by Cotswold District Council. The records were most recently reviewed by the petitioners on 25 August 2026.
The petitioners acknowledge that planning records do exist in relation to Woodbine Cottage, and do not assert that the property has no planning history.
However, to the best of the petitioners' knowledge, and following regular review of the Council's publicly available planning information, no planning application or other publicly identifiable planning approval has been identified which specifically addresses:
the change from the historic four-bedroom domestic use to the current five-bedroom commercial short-term holiday accommodation;
the conversion of the downstairs room to create the fifth bedroom; or
the external alterations identified in this petition.
A formal Planning Records Appendix is attached to this petition.
The petitioners recognise that Cotswold District Council is the appropriate authority to establish the complete and definitive planning history and lawful planning status of the property. Accordingly, this petition does not assert that no consent exists. It asks the Council to investigate and determine the position formally.
11. REQUEST FOR FORMAL INVESTIGATION
The petitioners respectfully request that Cotswold District Council investigate the following matters:
The historic lawful use of Woodbine Cottage and the current five-bedroom commercial short-term holiday accommodation use.
Whether the current use constitutes a material change of use requiring planning permission and whether any relevant approval exists.
The conversion of the former downstairs room and the status of any planning or Building Regulations requirements.
The four new cut-stone buttresses, replacement porch, raised front-garden decking, former hot tub and associated open-topped structure, and any other associated works.
The effect of the works and current use upon the Windrush Conservation Area, including whether relevant works preserve or enhance, or alternatively cause harm to, its character and appearance.
The parking demand associated with groups of up to approximately ten guests, the adequacy of the two designated spaces, and any highway, access or emergency-access implications.
Whether any breach of planning control has occurred and, if so, whether any development or use should be regularised, modified, removed, restricted or otherwise subject to appropriate action.
12. REQUEST FOR A WRITTEN RESPONSE
The petitioners respectfully request that, following investigation, Cotswold District Council provide a written response setting out:
the planning status of Woodbine Cottage;
the Council's findings regarding the current use and fifth bedroom;
the Council's findings regarding each identified external alteration;
the Council's assessment of the Conservation Area implications;
the Council's assessment of the parking and highway implications;
whether any breach of planning control has been identified; and
what action, if any, the Council proposes to take.
We recognise that planning enforcement is a matter for the Council to determine in accordance with the applicable legislation, policies and enforcement procedures. Our request is for the Council to investigate the facts and apply the appropriate planning controls, rather than for the petitioners to predetermine the outcome.
13. CONCLUSION
The petitioners respectfully submit that the circumstances at Woodbine Cottage warrant formal investigation.
The property has historically been a four-bedroom domestic dwelling but is now operated as five-bedroom commercial short-term holiday accommodation, potentially accommodating groups of up to approximately ten people. This change has been accompanied by a series of internal and external alterations, including significant works to the front of the property.
The property occupies a prominent position within the Windrush Conservation Area and is adjacent to the village green. It has only two designated parking spaces, while additional vehicles associated with larger guest groups have historically parked on roads within the village.
The petitioners are concerned that these changes may have taken place without the benefit of the planning assessment necessary to determine their impact upon the property, neighbouring amenity, highway conditions and the Conservation Area.
We therefore respectfully ask Cotswold District Council to establish the facts, determine the lawful planning position, assess the cumulative impact and, where appropriate, take proportionate action.
The petitioners seek proper assessment, transparency and application of the planning system, rather than seeking to predetermine the outcome.
PETITION SIGNATURES
We support the request made in this petition for Cotswold District Council to investigate the planning status, physical alterations, current use and associated impacts of Woodbine Cottage, Windrush, OX18 4TU.
APPENDIX A — PLANNING RECORDS REVIEW
Purpose. This Appendix records the basis upon which the petitioners have formed their understanding of the publicly identifiable planning history of Woodbine Cottage. It is intended to assist Cotswold District Council in verifying the complete planning history of the property. It is not intended to replace the Council's own definitive planning records.
Date of most recent review: 25 August 2026.
Planning records identified. The petitioners have identified that planning records do exist in relation to Woodbine Cottage. One record identified by the petitioners is understood to be:
Planning reference: 25/02809/FUL
Property: Woodbine Cottage, Windrush, Burford, Gloucestershire, OX18 4TU
Description understood from the identified record: Installation of a sewage treatment plant in the garden to replace the existing shared septic tank.
Status/date understood from the identified record: Granted / 22 September 2025.
This record is included to demonstrate that the petitioners recognise that Woodbine Cottage has a planning history. The petitioners do not rely upon this record as evidence that no other planning permissions exist. The Council is respectfully requested to verify the reference, description, decision and all other details against its official planning records.
Matters not identified by the petitioners. Following regular review of publicly available planning information, the petitioners have not identified a publicly identifiable planning application or approval which specifically addresses the change of use, the conversion of the former downstairs room to create the fifth guest bedroom, or the external alterations identified in this petition.
Request for Council verification. The petitioners respectfully request that CDC undertake a complete search of its planning records for Woodbine Cottage, Windrush, Burford, Gloucestershire, OX18 4TU, and any relevant alternative address, property or application references, to establish:
the complete planning history of the property;
the historic lawful use of the property;
whether any permissions relate to the present five-bedroom configuration or holiday/short-term visitor accommodation;
whether any permission relates to the conversion of the downstairs room;
whether any permission relates to the buttresses, replacement porch, raised decking, former hot tub or associated structure;
whether any enforcement records, certificates of lawfulness or other relevant determinations exist; and
whether any conditions, legal agreements or restrictions affect the current use.
Statement of accuracy. The petitioners have made every effort to distinguish between matters personally observed or otherwise evidenced by residents, information identified through publicly available planning records, and matters which require formal determination by Cotswold District Council. The petitioners do not claim to determine whether planning permission was legally required for any individual work. That determination is specifically requested from the Local Planning Authority.
APPENDIX B — SUMMARY OF MATTERS REQUESTED TO BE INVESTIGATED
Summary Table
Matter
Historic / existing position
Current / reported position
Requested Council assessment
Residential use
Four-bedroom domestic dwelling
Five-bedroom commercial short-term holiday accommodation
Material change of use / lawful planning status
Bedroom 5
Four bedrooms
Downstairs room converted to fifth bedroom
Planning / Building Regulations status
Parking
Two designated spaces
Groups up to approx. 10; additional vehicles park on village roads
Parking, highway and amenity effects
Buttresses
Existing wall
Four approx. 2m × 600mm cut-stone buttresses
Planning status / Conservation Area impact
Porch
Existing wooden porch
New cut-stone porch
Planning status / heritage impact
Decking
Front garden
Substantial raised softwood decking, approx. 600mm+ in places
Planning status / visual impact
Hot tub / structure
None
Installed on decking; subsequently removed
Planning status / historical investigation
Overall / cumulative
Domestic dwelling
Commercial holiday accommodation plus physical alterations
Cumulative planning and amenity impact
Petition Closed
The Issue
RESIDENTS' PETITION TO COTSWOLD DISTRICT COUNCIL
Request for Formal Investigation and Appropriate Action in Respect of
Woodbine Cottage, Windrush, OX18 4TU
Submitted by residents and supporters of the village of Windrush
Planning records most recently reviewed by petitioners: 25 August 2026
Property concerned
Woodbine Cottage, Windrush, OX18 4TU
Purpose
Request for formal investigation and appropriate action
1. PURPOSE OF THIS PETITION
We, the undersigned residents and supporters of the village of Windrush, respectfully request that Cotswold District Council (“CDC”) formally investigate the planning status, development, alterations and current operation of Woodbine Cottage, Windrush, OX18 4TU.
Our concerns arise from a number of changes which appear to have taken place at the property, including:
the change from the property's historic use as a four-bedroom domestic dwelling to its current operation as five-bedroom commercial short-term holiday accommodation;
the conversion of a downstairs room to create a fifth bedroom;
a number of significant external alterations;
the construction of four substantial cut-stone buttresses;
the removal of an existing wooden porch and its replacement with a new cut-stone porch;
the construction of substantial raised timber decking in the front garden;
the installation of a full-size hot tub and associated open-fronted structure on that decking, subsequently removed following action relating to a National Trust covenant affecting the property;
the parking and highway implications arising from groups of up to approximately ten guests arriving in multiple vehicles; and
the cumulative effect of these changes upon the character and appearance of the Windrush Conservation Area within an AONB
The petitioners understand that Woodbine Cottage is not itself a listed building, but that it lies within the designated Windrush Conservation Area and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. AONB now known as National Landscapes.
The purpose of this petition is not to prejudge the outcome of any investigation. We ask CDC to establish the facts, determine the lawful planning position and, where a breach of planning control or other relevant regulatory matter is identified, take such proportionate action as it considers appropriate.
2. THE PROPERTY AND ITS HISTORIC USE
Woodbine Cottage is situated in the historic village of Windrush and within the designated Windrush Conservation Area.
The cottage itself is not listed.
The property has historically been operated as a private domestic dwelling house and previously comprised four bedrooms.
Its historic residential use is therefore materially different from its present operation as commercial short-term visitor accommodation.
3. CURRENT USE AS COMMERCIAL SHORT-TERM HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION
Woodbine Cottage is currently operated as a commercial short-term holiday letting property. The property is advertised through established online accommodation platforms, including Airbnb and Booking.com, and is made available to paying guests for short-term holiday and visitor stays.
The property now provides five double bedrooms. Groups of up to approximately ten guests may occupy the property. The petitioners understand that guests occupy the property on a temporary holiday or visitor basis rather than as their sole or principal residence.
The petitioners therefore ask CDC to determine:
whether the current use constitutes a material change from the property's historic domestic residential use;
whether planning permission was required for that change of use;
whether any planning permission or other relevant planning approval exists; and
whether the current scale and intensity of the use is lawful.
4. CREATION OF THE FIFTH BEDROOM
Historically, Woodbine Cottage was a four-bedroom dwelling. A former downstairs room has subsequently been converted to provide a fifth guest bedroom.
The petitioners request that CDC establish:
the former use of the downstairs room;
the nature and extent of the works undertaken to create the fifth bedroom;
when those works were carried out;
whether the works constituted development requiring planning permission;
whether any permitted development rights apply;
whether Building Regulations approval was required and obtained; and
whether the resulting five-bedroom configuration forms part of the current commercial short-term holiday use.
5. EXTERNAL ALTERATIONS
In addition to the change of use and internal conversion, the petitioners are concerned about a number of significant external alterations.
Woodbine Cottage has no rear garden and its front garden is adjacent to, and visually associated with, the village green. Consequently, alterations and structures within the front garden are particularly prominent and readily visible from the village centre and public viewpoints.
The petitioners therefore request that the following works be investigated individually and cumulatively.
5.1 FOUR NEW CUT-STONE BUTTRESSES
Four substantial buttresses have been constructed to support a failing wall. Each buttress is understood to be approximately 2 metres high and approximately 600 mm square.
The buttresses have been constructed using new cut stone and represent substantial physical additions to the existing wall.
The petitioners ask CDC to establish:
when the buttresses were constructed;
the condition and previous form of the wall;
the precise dimensions and design of the buttresses;
the materials used;
whether their construction constituted development requiring planning permission;
whether permitted development rights apply;
whether any other consent was required;
whether any application or approval exists; and
whether the works preserve or cause harm to the character and appearance of the Windrush Conservation Area.
5.2 REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT OF WOODEN PORCH
An existing wooden porch, understood to have been in poor condition, was removed and replaced by a new porch constructed in cut stone.
The petitioners ask CDC to establish:
the dimensions and appearance of the original porch;
the dimensions and appearance of the replacement porch;
the extent of the works involved;
whether the replacement constituted development requiring planning permission;
whether permitted development rights apply; and
whether any planning application or other approval exists.
The petitioners further ask that the replacement be assessed having regard to the property's location within the Windrush Conservation Area.
5.3 RAISED TIMBER DECKING IN THE FRONT GARDEN
A substantial area of softwood decking was constructed within the front garden. The decking is understood to have been approximately 600 mm or more above surrounding ground level in places.
Its location in the front garden made it readily visible from the centre of Windrush and from public viewpoints. Given the property's position adjacent to the village green and the absence of a rear garden, the petitioners consider that this was a particularly prominent intervention within the historic village environment.
The petitioners ask CDC to establish:
the dimensions and extent of the decking;
its maximum height above ground level;
when it was constructed;
whether it constituted development requiring planning permission;
whether permitted development rights apply;
whether any application or approval exists; and
whether the structure affected the character and appearance of the Conservation Area.
5.4 HOT TUB AND ASSOCIATED OPEN-TOPPED STRUCTURE
A full-size hot tub was installed on the raised decking. An associated open-fronted shed was also erected. The combined installation created a substantial and visually prominent feature within the front garden.
The Hot tub and associated structure have subsequently been removed. The petitioners understand that the removal followed enforcement action relating to violation of a National Trust covenant affecting the property which was not a planning issue.
The petitioners recognise that a private covenant is separate from the planning system and that a covenant matter does not, by itself, establish a breach of planning control.
Nevertheless, the history is relevant to the circumstances surrounding the development and the petitioners request that CDC establish whether the decking, hot tub, associated structure, or any associated engineering or construction works required planning permission or other consent.
The petitioners also request that CDC determine whether the subsequent removal of these structures affects its ability or responsibility to investigate whether a breach of planning control occurred while they were in place.
6. WINDRUSH CONSERVATION AREA
Woodbine Cottage lies within the designated Windrush Conservation Area and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Although Woodbine Cottage is not itself listed, the petitioners consider that its location within the historic village and its prominent relationship with the village green make the external appearance of the property a significant planning consideration.
The petitioners therefore request that CDC assess the identified works and current use having regard to:
the character and appearance of the Conservation Area;
the historic character of the village;
the visual prominence of the property;
the materials and design of the external alterations;
the effect of structures within the front garden;
the cumulative effect of the alterations; and
any relevant conservation-area policies or controls.
The petitioners do not seek to assert that every alteration necessarily required planning permission. We ask CDC to determine that question formally.
7. PARKING AND HIGHWAY CONCERNS
Woodbine Cottage has only two designated on-site parking spaces. The current accommodation can accommodate groups of up to approximately ten guests, and such groups may arrive in multiple separate vehicles.
Where the number of vehicles exceeds the two designated spaces, additional vehicles have historically parked on roads within the village. The petitioners do not assert that every instance of roadside parking is necessarily unlawful.
Rather, we ask CDC, in consultation with the appropriate Highway Authority where necessary, to assess the parking demand generated by the current use, including:
the number of vehicles reasonably likely to be generated by five-bedroom holiday accommodation;
the adequacy of the two designated parking spaces;
the effect of additional vehicles parking on village roads;
highway safety and visibility;
access to neighbouring properties and emergency access;
pedestrian movement;
the effect of parking upon the historic village environment; and
whether the parking demand represents an unacceptable consequence of the current use.
8. RESIDENTIAL AMENITY AND VILLAGE CHARACTER
The petitioners are concerned that the current operation may have a materially different impact from the property's historic use as a four-bedroom private dwelling.
We therefore ask CDC to assess the effect of the current use upon:
neighbouring residential amenity;
noise and disturbance;
guest arrivals and departures;
vehicle movements and parking;
waste and refuse;
intensity of occupation;
visual character;
the character of the village; and
the character and appearance of the Windrush Conservation Area.
The petitioners are not suggesting that short-term holiday accommodation is inherently unacceptable. Our concern is whether this particular use, at this particular scale and in this particular location, has been properly assessed through the planning system.
9. CUMULATIVE EFFECT
The petitioners respectfully ask CDC to consider the cumulative effect of the changes at Woodbine Cottage, rather than considering each matter entirely in isolation.
The property has changed from a historic four-bedroom domestic dwelling to a five-bedroom commercial short-term holiday accommodation business. In addition, the following physical changes have taken place or are understood to have taken place:
conversion of a downstairs room to create a fifth bedroom;
construction of four substantial new cut-stone buttresses;
removal of an existing wooden porch and construction of a new cut-stone porch;
construction of substantial raised timber decking in the front garden;
installation of a full-size hot tub;
erection of an associated open-fronted structure; and
subsequent removal of the hot tub and associated structure following action relating to a National Trust covenant.
These matters, together with the increased intensity of use and associated parking demand, represent a significant series of physical and operational changes to a property located within the Windrush Conservation Area and in a prominent position adjacent to the village green.
10. REVIEW OF PUBLICLY AVAILABLE PLANNING RECORDS
The petitioners regularly monitor and review the publicly available planning records maintained by Cotswold District Council. The records were most recently reviewed by the petitioners on 25 August 2026.
The petitioners acknowledge that planning records do exist in relation to Woodbine Cottage, and do not assert that the property has no planning history.
However, to the best of the petitioners' knowledge, and following regular review of the Council's publicly available planning information, no planning application or other publicly identifiable planning approval has been identified which specifically addresses:
the change from the historic four-bedroom domestic use to the current five-bedroom commercial short-term holiday accommodation;
the conversion of the downstairs room to create the fifth bedroom; or
the external alterations identified in this petition.
A formal Planning Records Appendix is attached to this petition.
The petitioners recognise that Cotswold District Council is the appropriate authority to establish the complete and definitive planning history and lawful planning status of the property. Accordingly, this petition does not assert that no consent exists. It asks the Council to investigate and determine the position formally.
11. REQUEST FOR FORMAL INVESTIGATION
The petitioners respectfully request that Cotswold District Council investigate the following matters:
The historic lawful use of Woodbine Cottage and the current five-bedroom commercial short-term holiday accommodation use.
Whether the current use constitutes a material change of use requiring planning permission and whether any relevant approval exists.
The conversion of the former downstairs room and the status of any planning or Building Regulations requirements.
The four new cut-stone buttresses, replacement porch, raised front-garden decking, former hot tub and associated open-topped structure, and any other associated works.
The effect of the works and current use upon the Windrush Conservation Area, including whether relevant works preserve or enhance, or alternatively cause harm to, its character and appearance.
The parking demand associated with groups of up to approximately ten guests, the adequacy of the two designated spaces, and any highway, access or emergency-access implications.
Whether any breach of planning control has occurred and, if so, whether any development or use should be regularised, modified, removed, restricted or otherwise subject to appropriate action.
12. REQUEST FOR A WRITTEN RESPONSE
The petitioners respectfully request that, following investigation, Cotswold District Council provide a written response setting out:
the planning status of Woodbine Cottage;
the Council's findings regarding the current use and fifth bedroom;
the Council's findings regarding each identified external alteration;
the Council's assessment of the Conservation Area implications;
the Council's assessment of the parking and highway implications;
whether any breach of planning control has been identified; and
what action, if any, the Council proposes to take.
We recognise that planning enforcement is a matter for the Council to determine in accordance with the applicable legislation, policies and enforcement procedures. Our request is for the Council to investigate the facts and apply the appropriate planning controls, rather than for the petitioners to predetermine the outcome.
13. CONCLUSION
The petitioners respectfully submit that the circumstances at Woodbine Cottage warrant formal investigation.
The property has historically been a four-bedroom domestic dwelling but is now operated as five-bedroom commercial short-term holiday accommodation, potentially accommodating groups of up to approximately ten people. This change has been accompanied by a series of internal and external alterations, including significant works to the front of the property.
The property occupies a prominent position within the Windrush Conservation Area and is adjacent to the village green. It has only two designated parking spaces, while additional vehicles associated with larger guest groups have historically parked on roads within the village.
The petitioners are concerned that these changes may have taken place without the benefit of the planning assessment necessary to determine their impact upon the property, neighbouring amenity, highway conditions and the Conservation Area.
We therefore respectfully ask Cotswold District Council to establish the facts, determine the lawful planning position, assess the cumulative impact and, where appropriate, take proportionate action.
The petitioners seek proper assessment, transparency and application of the planning system, rather than seeking to predetermine the outcome.
PETITION SIGNATURES
We support the request made in this petition for Cotswold District Council to investigate the planning status, physical alterations, current use and associated impacts of Woodbine Cottage, Windrush, OX18 4TU.
APPENDIX A — PLANNING RECORDS REVIEW
Purpose. This Appendix records the basis upon which the petitioners have formed their understanding of the publicly identifiable planning history of Woodbine Cottage. It is intended to assist Cotswold District Council in verifying the complete planning history of the property. It is not intended to replace the Council's own definitive planning records.
Date of most recent review: 25 August 2026.
Planning records identified. The petitioners have identified that planning records do exist in relation to Woodbine Cottage. One record identified by the petitioners is understood to be:
Planning reference: 25/02809/FUL
Property: Woodbine Cottage, Windrush, Burford, Gloucestershire, OX18 4TU
Description understood from the identified record: Installation of a sewage treatment plant in the garden to replace the existing shared septic tank.
Status/date understood from the identified record: Granted / 22 September 2025.
This record is included to demonstrate that the petitioners recognise that Woodbine Cottage has a planning history. The petitioners do not rely upon this record as evidence that no other planning permissions exist. The Council is respectfully requested to verify the reference, description, decision and all other details against its official planning records.
Matters not identified by the petitioners. Following regular review of publicly available planning information, the petitioners have not identified a publicly identifiable planning application or approval which specifically addresses the change of use, the conversion of the former downstairs room to create the fifth guest bedroom, or the external alterations identified in this petition.
Request for Council verification. The petitioners respectfully request that CDC undertake a complete search of its planning records for Woodbine Cottage, Windrush, Burford, Gloucestershire, OX18 4TU, and any relevant alternative address, property or application references, to establish:
the complete planning history of the property;
the historic lawful use of the property;
whether any permissions relate to the present five-bedroom configuration or holiday/short-term visitor accommodation;
whether any permission relates to the conversion of the downstairs room;
whether any permission relates to the buttresses, replacement porch, raised decking, former hot tub or associated structure;
whether any enforcement records, certificates of lawfulness or other relevant determinations exist; and
whether any conditions, legal agreements or restrictions affect the current use.
Statement of accuracy. The petitioners have made every effort to distinguish between matters personally observed or otherwise evidenced by residents, information identified through publicly available planning records, and matters which require formal determination by Cotswold District Council. The petitioners do not claim to determine whether planning permission was legally required for any individual work. That determination is specifically requested from the Local Planning Authority.
APPENDIX B — SUMMARY OF MATTERS REQUESTED TO BE INVESTIGATED
Summary Table
Matter
Historic / existing position
Current / reported position
Requested Council assessment
Residential use
Four-bedroom domestic dwelling
Five-bedroom commercial short-term holiday accommodation
Material change of use / lawful planning status
Bedroom 5
Four bedrooms
Downstairs room converted to fifth bedroom
Planning / Building Regulations status
Parking
Two designated spaces
Groups up to approx. 10; additional vehicles park on village roads
Parking, highway and amenity effects
Buttresses
Existing wall
Four approx. 2m × 600mm cut-stone buttresses
Planning status / Conservation Area impact
Porch
Existing wooden porch
New cut-stone porch
Planning status / heritage impact
Decking
Front garden
Substantial raised softwood decking, approx. 600mm+ in places
Planning status / visual impact
Hot tub / structure
None
Installed on decking; subsequently removed
Planning status / historical investigation
Overall / cumulative
Domestic dwelling
Commercial holiday accommodation plus physical alterations
Cumulative planning and amenity impact
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on 27 August 2026