Beyonce and Jay-Z are reportedly set to benefit from a “rich person” planning clause to allow them to build a sprawling estate in the Cotswolds. The music icons are said to be in the final stages of purchasing a huge plot of land on the outskirts of Wigginton, which has received planning permission for a “spectacular rural estate”. 

The planning consent for a build was granted by Cherwell District Council in 2021 under a certain clause (NPPF paragraph 80), which allows for the building of “architecturally important buildings” in places where planning would otherwise be refused. It has been dubbed the “rich person clause” due to the amount of money and investment required to override normal planning restrictions.

Pictures of the sprawling plot show a derelict “shack” and algae-filled lake where the stars are set to build their new mansion overlooking a lake in the sleepy Oxfordshire hotspot.

The village has no pub or shops, but it has two churches and a community book swap shop.

It is not far from the exclusive private members’ club Soho Farmhouse, a favourite of Meghan Markle and nearby celebrity neighbours David and Victoria Beckham.

The owner sold the land with the planning permission attached after being marketed for £7.5million, although this would be expected to significantly increase once the home has been built.

The listing detailed an 18-acre site with permission to build a “large contemporary” home with seven bedrooms, seven reception rooms and seven bathrooms.

It said: “Oxpens is totally unique. The site for the new house is at the head of a long drive that meanders through beautiful countryside to a magical woodland lake.

“The start of the drive is on the edge of the popular and sought after village of Wigginton in a highly accessible location and within striking distance of Chipping Norton and Soho Farmhouse.

“Permission has been granted to create a large contemporary dwelling that part cantilevers over its own lake, has incredible room volumes throughout, will be exceptionally light and have stunning views out over the surrounding countryside.

The position and the permission are unrivalled.”

The listing states the home is currently sold subject to contract and is listed as no longer on the market. It is not known what stage the sale to the celebrity couple is, but locals have speculated it is in the “final stages”.

Seymour-Smith Architects posted that Oxpens was its fifth project to have had planning consent granted under NPPF paragraph 80.

When planning permission was granted in 2021, architects described the plot with an ash plantation and man-made lake to be in a “poor state” but “nonetheless rather magical, and full of exciting potential”.

Its brief included a multi-generational house where three households could live independently, while being linked.

“It was important for each to have its own entrance, living space etc, and its own outside space – but also that this wasn’t three houses, but rather, one house that could be lived in in different ways,” they said.

“The house will be nestled in among the trees, adjacent to, and partly dramatically projecting out over the water, which will be re-shaped and much enhanced.”

Several locals previously said they were not too aware of her work and expressed their concerns over the potential increase in house prices, while others said they didn’t want limousines or paparazzi “swarming” around the village.

David, 71, who has lived in the area for more than 60 years, acknowledged it was a “big project” to build a house over a lake, but described it as a “nice idea” that’s “very romantic and pretty”.

“I don’t think it will make much difference because we have already got David Beckham, Claudia Winkleman, all the people are here. It’s just another one isn’t it?”

Another local who moved to the area 12 years ago said they “couldn’t believe” they had purchased a “shack”. She added: “It is such a lovely quiet village you don’t want to have a lot of black limousines going up and down the road because they are going to have a lot of police escorts. My grandson will think this is wonderful that they are coming here.

“The houses will go up in price hugely and it is already a very expensive area to live because of where it is in Cotswolds. I think it will change the village. I have already got texts from lots of people saying ‘oh god you’ve got new neighbours’.”

Another woman who moved in recently with her family said she hopes the village won’t be “swarming with helicopters and paparazzi”. She said she used to live in LA and had move to Wigginton for a “calmer life”.