Pippa Middleton and her husband are ordered to remove their unauthorised anglers' car park after villagers' complaints

West Berkshire Council determined that 400 square metres of hard standing laid over a riverside meadow was 'visually intrusive' and had 'eroded the open and undeveloped rural character' of the North Wessex Downs. Pippa Middleton, 43, and her husband James Matthews, 51, created the anglers' car park on their 145-acre Barton Court estate without obtaining planning permission in advance. They sought retrospective approval, contending that River Kennet fishing rights represented a 'significant income stream' — but the council rejected that case.

The meadow had previously been grazed by two heavy horses, Monty and Drummer, who were familiar figures to Kintbury villagers.

Residents told the council they were 'shocked' that no one had been consulted before construction began.

The car park dispute is one of several clashes the couple have had with neighbours since buying the £15.5m estate in 2022.