‘Flashydashy’ visitors are ‘ruining’ the peaceful Cotswolds countryside, residents moan

The peaceful Cotswold countryside is being ruined by ‘flashydashy’ visitors to a members club which is a favourite of Meghan Markle, residents have claimed.

Locals say that their once peaceful lanes are now overrun with ‘noisy super cars’ and speeding SUVs belonging to ‘a specific type of person who is more upmarket’ and going to Soho Farmhouse in Great Tew, Chipping Norton.

Since the club opened in 2015 they say the traffic has become ‘terrible’ and are concerned it will only get worse if a plans for a classic car museum are approved. 

Millionaire Peter Mullin plans to build the attraction at nearby Enstone Airfield and one of two remaining Bugatti Atlantics will be displayed, reports the Times.

Locals have said that visitors to Soho Farmhouse, pictured, are ruining the quiet country roads

The retreat is a favourite with royals, such as Princess Eugenie, and other celebrities

Since the club opened in 2015 local residents say the traffic has become 'terrible'

Princess Eugenie of York and Cressida Bonas, left, and models Suki and Immy Waterhouse and Georgia May Jagger, right, have stayed at the members-only club in Oxfordshire

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, pictured at the Endeavour Fund Awards in London, have stayed at Soho Farmhouse in the past and Meghan had her hen party there last year

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, pictured at the Endeavour Fund Awards in London, have stayed at Soho Farmhouse in the past and Meghan had her hen party there last year

However West Oxfordshire District Council has already received 170 letters objecting to the Mullin Automotive Museum with one resident writing: ‘Since Soho Farmhouse arrived, we are faced with idiots driving at high speeds.’

Sharon Long, 46, a farm manager’s wife in Middle Barton, about five miles from the £350-a-night club said since it opened the traffic had become ‘terrible.’ 

She said: ‘Cars are going too fast and crashing into the woods on the bend. 

‘We have lived here for 14 years and it has never been so bad. There are a lot more 4x4s and noisy sports cars. It’s a specific type of person who is more upmarket.’ 

While Peter Purton, 85, a retired legal partner who lives in Ledwell, described the guests who ‘come from all over the country’ as ‘all flashy-dashy.’  

In the village of Sandford St Martin, four miles from the farmhouse, residents said that its arrival had pushed up house prices.

Locals say that their once peaceful lanes in Chipping Norton are now overrun with 'noisy cars'

Locals say that their once peaceful lanes in Chipping Norton are now overrun with ‘noisy cars’

The retreat opened in 2015 and comprises 40 cabins, a seven-bedroom farmhouse and a four-bedroom cottage

Stars such as Eddie Redmayne, and Professor Green, pictured, have visited the farmhouse

Lady Mary Charteris, left, and Professor Green, right,, real name Stephen Manderson, are both fans of Soho Farmhouse where membership costs £1,360 a year

One person said: ‘Sandford St Martin is empty now and it’s ruining the character of the place. People come in on a Friday and leave on a Sunday.’ 

Stars such as Eddie Redmayne, Professor Green and Liv Tyler have visited the farmhouse and supermodel Cara Delevingne has also been spotted at the retreat. 

Soho Farmhouse is where Meghan hosted her hen party last year and membership costs £1,360 a year. 

The retreat opened in 2015 and comprises 40 cabins, a seven-bedroom farmhouse and a four-bedroom cottage. 

Guests can use bicycles to travel between the dining venues, a 55-seat art deco-style cinema and a boating lake. 

Luxury cabins at the farmhouse on an exclusive 100-acre site cost hundreds of pounds a night

Luxury cabins at the farmhouse on an exclusive 100-acre site cost hundreds of pounds a night

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  stayed at the club multiple times in 2017 for mini-breaks

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stayed at the club multiple times in 2017 for mini-breaks

In a personal statement submitted as part of his planning application American businessman and philanthropist Peter Mullin addressed the worries of residents.

He said: ‘With regard to traffic and the perception of congestion in local villages, this will simply not be the case. 

‘Over 90% of our visitors will come from outside West Oxfordshire. They will not be speeding through Middle Barton, Sandford or Little Tew. 

‘They won’t even know they exist. They are entirely different from Soho Farmhouse members or Renault Formula 1 employees.’ 

A spokeswoman for Soho Farmhouse told the Times that they have been investing in improving road safety and traffic flow and all deliveries come along the main roads.

They said: ‘We have created over 400 jobs in the area, and we hope the farm will continue to help revitalise the local economy.’ 

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