Historic 15th Century Cottage in Swanmore Set for Demolition Despite Community Opposition
Ex-owners fail to save 15th century cottage from being demolished for newbuilds - after selling home on condition it was just for one family
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The historic cottage known as 'Hiawatha' in Swanmore, Hampshire, will be demolished to make way for two new homes, despite strong community opposition and a condition from its previous owner to preserve it as a family home. A planning inspector overturned the local council's decision to protect the cottage, citing its lack of significant heritage value.
- 01The cottage, sold by 94-year-old Eric Abbott, was intended to remain a family home, but new owner Simon Smith plans to replace it with two four-bedroom houses.
- 02Over 1,000 residents signed a petition against the demolition, and 200 objections were submitted to Winchester City Council.
- 03The council initially rejected the planning application, calling the new builds 'visually intrusive' and harmful to the village's character.
- 04A planning inspector later overturned this decision, stating the cottage does not meet the criteria for heritage significance.
- 05Historic England indicated the building likely dates from between 1840 and 1868, lacking important historical associations.
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The 15th century cottage known as 'Hiawatha' in Swanmore, Hampshire, is set to be demolished and replaced with two modern four-bedroom houses, despite significant community opposition. The cottage was sold last year by Eric Abbott, who had raised his family there, under the condition that it would be cherished as a family home. However, the new owner, Simon Smith, submitted a planning application to Winchester City Council to tear it down, prompting over 1,000 signatures on a petition and 200 objections from residents. Initially, the council rejected the proposal, citing concerns over the new builds being 'visually intrusive' and detrimental to the village's character. However, a planning inspector later overturned this decision, ruling that the cottage does not hold enough heritage significance to warrant preservation. The inspector noted that the surrounding area features a variety of home styles and sizes. The cottage's fate has sparked a debate among locals about maintaining the village's historic character and the impact of new developments.
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The demolition of Hiawatha will alter the historic character of Swanmore and may set a precedent for future developments in the area.
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