The England captain and his pop star wife have bought a converted barn in the heart of the affluent Cheshire countryside at Nether Alderley.

But Cheshire County Council is planning to spend three years building a dual carriageway which will pass an estimated 135 yards from the property.

The £32m relief road, which is intended to take cars away from the congested centre of Alderley Edge, will carry 80,000 vehicles per week.

'Shielded'

A spokesman for Conservative-ruled Cheshire County Council said: "Whoever bought the property, if they went through the usual checks and searches, they would know that there has been a predicted line for a bypass in that area for several years.

"If the bypass is built, and that is not definite at present, the properties in question will be shielded by a three-metre high mound."

Councillors will discuss whether to approve planning permission on 10 September.

They will also decide whether there has been enough public opposition to warrant a public inquiry.

The Beckhams also own an apartment in Alderley Edge.