RESIDENTS of a notorious UK village where takeaways are banned say they’re happy to call it home.
Dubbed Britain’s strictest village, there are no supermarkets and locals must have their doors painted the same colour.
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But villagers of Wentworth, South Yorkshire, say they’re happy with the draconian rules which state their front door be a certain shade of green.
They claim their home has become a idyllic English village as a result with a teashop, grocers, post office and country pub.
But now they have claimed their very way of life is under threat with developers planning to create a luxury hotel and spa on their doorstep.
This could see trendy hotels and clubs replace buildings where generations of farmers once worked, including the world famous Annabel’s in London Mayfair.
The locals state, however, that while happy with the strict rules, they must gain permission from the ‘village trust’ before they go ahead with improvements.
Resident Mary Pearson said the plans were “very disturbing” and told her local parish council that she hadn’t been consulted on the plans.
Talking to the Mail, she said: “I was once washing pots at the kitchen sink and saw a tape measure going across the kitchen window.
“Let’s just say we are facing an uncertain future if the plans do go ahead.”
Mary’s family have been farmers on the estate since the 1950s.
Another lady in the village sympathised with the family that runs the farm.
She added: “I suppose it will bring more people to the village, but at what cost?”
Others were more optimistic about an increased footfall in the area which would help local businesses.
But concerns have also been raised over the level of traffic the new development would bring to the picture post-card village.
Many have also raised objections to the new plans on the council’s website.
The new plans include holiday cottages and a hotel with a spa, swimming pool and restaurant.
Councillor Brendan J McNamara, Chair of Wentworth Parish Council, said: “At a recent Parish council meeting, which was held on the 28th April, a decision was made for the parish council to consider expert advice.
“‘Following on from that, an informal meeting took place on the 1st May between three Parish councillors and three members of the public, where the Parish Councillors confirmed that Parish Council were considering seeking specialist advice.
The parish council will continue to work with the Fitzwilliam Estate and the community.”
The local authority have been contacted for comment.
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