Conservationists slam 'out of proportion' plans for US billionaire Soho House owner's six-bedroom Cotswolds mansion
Locals in Little Tew have been battling against Ron Burkle's bid to build a lavish six-bedroom country pile on farmland in the quaint Cotswolds idyll, and have now been joined in their objections by the conservation group.
Mr Burkle, who owns celebrity hotspot Soho House and Michael Jackson 's former Neverland ranch, has rubbed shoulders with Elton John and the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson.
He hopes to construct a six-bedroom house which would have a gun room, lift, entertainment room and wine store, several reception rooms, a butler's pantry and a domed entrance hall said to be inspired by the Pantheon in Rome.
The sprawling manor house would also feature a natural swimming pool, bather's pavilion in the 'pleasure ground' area, stable block and estate manager's cottage plus a circular lawn that may be a helipad.
But villagers have drawn battle lines against it and have been struggling for the best part of three years to have the scheme thrown out by West Oxfordshire District Council.
Originally rejected in 2022, a renewed bid has since been lodged which has seen a total of 42 objections and 33 supporting comments submitted.
Now, the Little Tew Conservation Group has voiced their concerns over the plans which they believe to be 'out of proportion'.
They said: 'The impact of the proposed development upon the setting of the Little Tew Conservation Area would be harmful.
'This has been discussed and set out in previous submissions made by the Conservation Group and planning and conservation officers.
'As for public benefits, these are of little weight and not as claimed in the summary of benefits submitted.
'They do not produce overall environmental benefits but there are harmful impacts including on ecology, hydrology, landscape, heritage, archaeology and enjoyment of the footpaths in the countryside.'
The group said all these concerns 'substantially outweigh any public benefits', adding: 'It is not accepted to be an outstanding piece of architecture and landscape design but completely out of place in the proposed location.'
Plans for the house also include details of gardens, a stables courtyard, solar panels, a new lake and tree nursery.
Worlledge Associates, on behalf of the applicant, said: 'The use of classical architectural forms is appropriate. The scale of the house and its designed landscape is appropriate and fits historic precedents.
'The proposed location of a house of this size is consistent with historic precedents. Understanding and experience of the agricultural context of Little Tew (and Great Tew) will remain.
'The proposed development would not result in harm to the setting of Little Tew. The character and use of the site as farmland will change, but intellectually and in a sensory way this will add to people's experience.'
However, one neighbour vehemently against the proposals labelled them a 'monstrous carbuncle'.
They said: 'Rather than being a development of 'truly outstanding quality', I believe it to be a proposal of truly outstanding grotesquerie.
'It would be a travesty for light and sound pollution to be increased by such a massive intrusion on the outskirts of our village.
'Please reject what would clearly be an inappropriate, non-isolated, habitat-threatening, polluting, un-enhancing and insensitive "monstrous carbuncle".'
Mr Burkle is a Californian investor behind a string of deals involving US supermarkets.
He bought a majority stake in Soho House - which includes Soho Farmhouse - in 2012 and serves as executive chairman.
The ultra-rich American also owns Michael Jackson's infamous Neverland ranch, which he purchased in December 2020 for around £16million.
He is behind plans for the Mullin Automotive Museum in nearby Enstone approved last year despite almost 200 objection letters sent to the council.
The planning committee rejected earlier designs for the house in 2022 for failing to represent a 'truly outstanding development' and not meeting specific planning criteria.
In a recent interview the 72-year-old mogul said he would be a good neighbour wherever he ends up living and support local charities and community organisations.
He also said he is still in the process of buying the land and the current owner had drawn up the plans before he got involved.
Mr Burkle added that he would only proceed to buy it if he gets planning approval.
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