BBC’s director general is battling plans for new homes near his £4 million country house near the Berkshire border.

Tim Davie lives in Peppard Common near Henley-on-Thames and has previously spoken about how he was lucky to live in the area, enjoying the countryside despite usually working in the capital city.

The 57-year-old, who earns £ 527,000 a year, lives in what is described as a beautiful old house with a large garden and a view.

Mr Davie is now fighting against others having the same views as he has objected to new homes being built next to his £4,000,000 house.

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Tim Davie has objected to the plans.Tim Davie has objected to the plans. (Image: PA)

The developer of the homes first applied for permission to build on the agricultural land two years ago.

This land is just 20 yards from Mr Davie’s house but permission was granted for a two-storey, five-bedroom home.

Yet just 15 months later a second application was lodged which then requested permission two four-bedroom houses.

The corporation chief is now leading the charge against the development, complaining that the properties would bring a “suburban feel” to the village in the Chilterns.

Mr Davie is not alone as the local council has also ruled against the development, but the issue is now going to an appeal led by family-owned builder Bentier.

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The plans.The plans. (Image: South Oxfordshire District Council)

The BBC boss raised three sons with wife Anna at the Victorian farmhouse which features a barn, milking parlour and stables.

Having lived there for two decades, they want to retain the village’s rural feel.

“This is a quiet, small country lane already facing increased traffic, significant road damage and ongoing flooding,” read their objection.

“This new proposal goes much further to create a more suburban feel in the village.

“We have been supportive of developing the village, but another executive house of this size in this location is a major change.

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“The original planning permission was already building on untouched land. This proposal pushes this further and fundamentally changes the character of the area.

“Both proposed houses (unlike the original proposal) now look directly into our garden, leading to a significant loss of our privacy.”

Mr Davie was also displeased with the siting of an environmentally friendly aspect featured across the new homes.

“Additionally there is a heat pump located to our side which could create noise,” he and his wife added.

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The BBC boss and his wife have objected to the plans.The BBC boss and his wife have objected to the plans. (Image: Jacob King / PA Wire)

The couple have been supported by other locals as well as their parish and district councils who have all taken a similar view.

An alternative proposal to enlarge the already approved, unbuilt single house has been accepted by the local authority.

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