David and Victoria Beckham are set to install a secret underground tunnel, wine cellar and ‘super garage’ at their Cotswolds home after being awarded planning permission.
The couple are currently in lockdown at the £6 million country property with their three youngest children, Romeo, 17, Cruz, 15, and Harper, eight.
Now they have been granted permission to extend their sprawling property, as long as they begin the work within three years.
Country living: David and Victoria Beckham are set to install a wine cellar and ‘super garage’ at their Cotswolds home after winning planning permission
David, 45, and Victoria, 46, are said to have been keen to install a secret getaway tunnel in order to amp up their security.
The plans were made just weeks after footballer Dele Alli was robbed at knifepoint at his North London home and Robbie Williams spoke about his break-in fears.
The pair also applied to West Oxfordshire District Council to build a basement ‘wine room’ measuring 6.8m by 8.4m underneath the proposed extended garage with a linked walkway to the main house in the quaint village Great Tew.
Get a move on: They have been granted permission to extend their sprawling property, as long as they begin the work within three years or they will have to reapply
They are working with architect Michael Ergatoudis, who has designed all their renovations since they bought the property four years ago.
Michael said in the Design and Access Statement: ‘This application seeks planning permission and listed building consent for an extension to the existing garage outbuilding with basement cellar beneath linked to the main house.
‘The extension to the garage outbuilding is to provide additional garage space, home office space and storage.
‘The basement cellar beneath Is for storage of wine, and is linked to the wine room in the main house.
Plenty of space: David, 45, and Victoria, 46, are said to have been keen to install a secret getaway tunnel in order to amp up their security
The statement went on to explain more about the ‘super garage’ extension to provide ‘two enclosed lockable double garage bays, gardener’s potting shed, garden store, plant room, log store and enclosed refuse store.
‘The first floor provides additional home office space’.
The property is a Grade II-listed converted farm and barn and the underground tunnel had to be carefully considered by the council that it had no impact on the historical surroundings.
Plans: The pair also applied to West Oxfordshire District Council to build a basement ‘wine room’ measuring 6.8m by 8.4m underneath the proposed extended garage
Got an eye on it: The couple are working with architect Michael Ergatoudis, who has designed all their renovations since they bought the property four years ago
The famous pair have a separate planning application currently being considered to build a security gatehouse, which one local resident complained wasn’t in keeping with the area, but then a few days later withdrew his letter of objection.
The couple were reportedly ‘at war’ with neighbours over plans to build a gatehouse for two round-the-clock security guards at the entrance.
The ex-England captain and his former Spice Girls star wife were said to be ‘ruining the ambiance of the picturesque village’.
Family fun: The couple are in lockdown at the £6 million country property with their three youngest children, Romeo, 17, Cruz, 15, and Harper, eight. Eldest son Brooklyn, 21 (left) is isolating in the States with his girlfriend Nicola Peltz
The Beckhams hoped to convince those living in the upmarket area of their plans by saying the gatehouse would ‘improve security for occupants’ of the mansion and its surrounding grounds.
The famous family angered neighbours by relocating from London to their second home in Oxfordshire at the start lockdown.
They were branded ‘selfish’ by one local, who told MailOnline in April: ‘The Beckhams and these other fancy folks who think it’s a good idea to self-isolate in the country are just being selfish.’
A local counsellor shared their views at the time saying: ‘Showing off your beautiful country mansion on social media and telling us all what a wonderful time you’re having is just rubbing our noses in it.
‘The Beckhams and other celebrities are just being stupid, irresponsible and insensitive.’
Still at it: Victoria and David were reportedly ‘at war’ with neighbours over plans to build a gatehouse for two round-the-clock security guards at the entrance