A Historic Cottage Saved from Demolition
A village in Hampshire has successfully fought to preserve a 15th-century cottage, known as Hiawatha, from being demolished. The property, valued at £585,000, was originally owned by Eric Abbott, a former company director who lived there for over 60 years. He sold the home with the condition that it would be passed on to another family who would cherish it as he had.
However, the new owner, Simon Smith, applied to the Winchester City Council to demolish the historic house and build two modern homes in its place. The proposed development included two-storey houses with four bedrooms, gardens, and parking for three cars. This plan sparked significant opposition from the local community.
More than 1,000 residents signed a petition to stop the project, and over 200 objections were submitted during the public consultation period. The council ultimately rejected the application, citing concerns that the development would be "visually intrusive" and "out of scale and character with its settings and surroundings."
The decision emphasized that the proposed buildings would fail to "adequately conserve the identity of Swanmore," a historic village mentioned in the Domesday Book. Some of the homes on the same street as Hiawatha are valued at an average of £800,000, highlighting the area’s historical and architectural significance.
Julie Pinnock, the council's corporate head of planning and regulatory services, stated that the development would not maintain or enhance the local character, appearance, or built features of the area. She also pointed out that the plan failed to address potential harm to biodiversity, particularly in the Solent Special Protection Areas (SPAs), which are vital habitats for coastal birds.
Campaigners have been actively promoting the petition, distributing flyers across the village. These materials warned that the cottage would be "flattened" and replaced with "two modern, bland new-builds." Many residents felt the new homes would not fit the village's character and could lead to increased traffic, especially near a primary school.
Eric Abbott expressed his dismay at the new owners’ intentions, stating that he had ensured the property would only be sold to a family who would love it as he did. He believed the new owners had lied about their intentions, as they had agreed to keep the house as a family home. Abbott also highlighted the historical significance of the property, including an ancient well that was legally required to remain operational for future water shortages.
Scientist David Hughes, a local resident, admitted he was unsure if his opposition made him a "NIMBY" (Not In My Backyard). However, he acknowledged that the unique architecture of Hiawatha breaks up the monotony of the surrounding buildings. Despite his own concerns, he was surprised by how many people were invested in preserving the cottage.
Retiree John Allen suggested that the council might have been tempted by the potential increase in council tax revenue. He criticized the lack of legal binding on the previous agreement between Abbott and the new owners, noting that a verbal promise was not enough.
A middle-aged neighbor, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed concern about the impact of the new development on local traffic. Another elderly neighbor shared similar sentiments, calling the new owners’ actions dishonest and disappointing.
Historic England, however, noted that there is no evidence to confirm that Hiawatha predates the 19th century. It is believed to have been constructed between 1840 and 1868. The organization stated that the building does not illustrate an important aspect of national history or have associations with nationally significant individuals or events.
Despite the rejection of the application, the new owners have the right to appeal the decision within the next six months. They have not yet commented on the matter. The victory for the local community highlights the importance of preserving historical landmarks and maintaining the character of traditional villages.