**Soho House Boss Faces Backlash Over ‘Grotesque’ Cotswolds Mansion Proposal**
The boss of Soho House is facing criticism from residents of the quiet Cotswolds village of Little Tew over plans to construct a mansion described as “grotesque” and likened to a Disneyland attraction. Ron Burkle, a 71-year-old American businessman, who acquired a majority stake in the private members club in 2012, had initially submitted the controversial plans to West Oxfordshire District Council in 2022. However, the plans were rejected due to concerns about its impact on the landscape.
This summer, Mr. Burkle made another attempt to obtain approval for his vision, proposing a “country house and gardens” with features such as a stables courtyard, new access roads, a solar array, drainage works, landscape designs including a new lake, and increased insulation for environmental sustainability. The new proposal, known as Serpentine Lodge, is currently pending consideration.
Residents of Little Tew, a village with a population of only 253 people as per the 2011 census, have vehemently objected to the billionaire’s plans. Many residents feel that the revised submission closely mirrors the previously rejected proposal. Concerns have been raised about the potential impact on the character of the village, which prides itself on its small community and historic heritage.
The village’s website highlights the importance of preserving its conservation area, which features Grade II listed buildings dating back to the seventeenth century. Residents fear that the proposed mansion’s design does not align with the village’s architectural character and could have a negative impact on the local flora and fauna.
Critics have described the mansion as “grotesque” and inappropriate for the village setting, with one resident comparing it to a tumour encroaching on the landscape. The proposed development has sparked outrage among residents, who believe it does not enhance the local area but rather poses a threat to its natural environment and heritage.
Despite the plans specifying that the mansion would be a private residence and not a commercial venture, concerns persist about its scale and design. If approved, the mansion would be situated near the Soho Farmhouse retreat, a few miles away. The Independent has reached out to Little Tew Parish Council for their perspective on the matter.
Residents continue to voice their objections to the proposed mansion in Little Tew, highlighting the need to protect the village’s character and natural surroundings. The fate of the controversial development remains uncertain as residents and local authorities deliberate on its potential impact on the tranquil Cotswolds village.