OBJECTORS to the "millionaire's mansion" in the Ozleworth Valley at Bagpath are celebrating after the plans were rejected by Cotswold District Council.

Mike Challis, from Cotswolds Against Country House Expansion, said: "Of course we are delighted and optimistic after three sets of plans for the site have been rejected. But we're not complacent - an appeal has already been lodged, to be considered in January."

The objectors' group is also adding an extra weapon to their attack.

It has asked the Standards Board of England to investigate the alleged conduct of one of the Cotswold District Council's planning committee members.

It believes the member is a friend of entrepreneur and would-be developer David Cardale and should have declared himself ineligible to take part in the debate or to vote when development proposals were considered.

Permission was being sought for the 14,000 sq ft country house, referring to a planning policy guideline established in 1997 by Conservative Minister John Gummer. This allows construction of architecturally exceptional large houses in open countryside, regardless of policies decided locally.

Mr Challis said: "Members are required to declare an interest and leave the meeting if they think the public perception may be that they came with a prejudiced view.

"We have been told on good authority the councillor is a friend of David Cardale. It is inconceivable the public would not think he might have a biased opinion.

"We think he should have left the meeting. He didn't so we have asked for an investigation."

The Standards Board is responsible for investigating complaints about elected representatives and can refer serious offenders to the Adjudication Panel for England which can disqualify them from office.

This planning application has been very controversial, with residents from the small hamlet of Bagpath and surrounds claiming it would spoil the remote undeveloped valley, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

There seems to be very little support for the development.

Gloucestershire County Council and neighbouring parish councils recommended refusal of planning permission.

The Cotswolds Against Country House Expansion group supports pressure by the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England to exclude the country house planning exception.

James Ellis, Cotswold District Council's head of legal services, told the Gazette he had been aware of the allegations against the councillor for some time.

But he stated: "From the information available to me, I was satisfied that the councillor was an aquaintance and not a friend. Councillors get to know a lot of people as aquaintances - friendship is something deeper."

Mr Ellis, who is also the district council's monitoring officer, added: "The people who have decided to report the councillor to the Standards Board are quite within their rights but I am unable to comment on their actions."