In the picturesque heart of Oxfordshire, residents are anxiously watching as plans unfold for what they describe as a “monstrosity” mansion.
The proposal has sparked outrage in Little Tew, a quaint village nestled in the Cotswolds, where locals fear the area could be transformed into a playground for billionaires.
A Billionaire’s Vision for Little Tew
At the center of the controversy is American billionaire Ronald Burkle, who is best known for owning the Soho House chain and Michael Jackson’s former Neverland Ranch.
His plans for a six-bedroom mansion on local farmland include an array of extravagant features: a private lake, pool, stables, staff accommodation, solar fields, and even a gun room.
The proposed house would also boast an entertainment room, a wine store, and a domed entrance hall, inspired by the Pantheon in Rome.
While Burkle insists that he would be a good neighbor, villagers are not convinced.
They worry that if the project is approved, it will open the door for similar developments that would turn the area into a playground for the ultra-wealthy, pushing out the community’s rural charm and affordability.
Villagers Draw the Line
For nearly three years, Little Tew residents have united to fight the proposal, even hiring a top barrister to represent their concerns.
The project was initially rejected in 2022 but has resurfaced, leaving the village in limbo as the West Oxfordshire District Council deliberates on whether to approve it.
The locals, many of whom have lived in the village for decades, fear the mansion would be a symbol of excess that has no place in their peaceful, rural community.
“It’s not just about the mansion itself,” says Anthony Cripps, a village resident and chairman of the parish meeting.
“It’s the whole concept of introducing such wealth into an area that has no infrastructure to support it.
We need affordable housing, not palaces for billionaires.”
The Fight to Preserve Rural Life
Little Tew, once a humble farming village, is known for its scenic beauty and academic history.
It’s a quiet retreat, and recent residents include Star Trek actor Sir Patrick Stewart.
But now, the village finds itself at a crossroads, with many fearing the destruction of their idyllic surroundings.
Pensioners Margaret Norris and Andrew Dunston, who have lived in the village for over 40 years, are staunchly opposed to the mansion plans.
“It’s completely out of character,” says Andrew, standing in front of his thatched cottage.
Margaret agrees, calling the project a “monstrous carbuncle” that would ruin the village’s charm.
The couple, along with other residents, is rallying to protect what they feel is the essence of rural England—small, tight-knit communities where the landscape remains unspoiled.
“We’re not against development,” says Cripps, “but it needs to be appropriate. This project is not that.”
The Economic and Environmental Concerns
The mansion, set to be built on a sprawling 4.37-hectare plot, is more than just a luxury residence.
It’s also designed to include a natural swimming pool, stable block, estate manager’s cottage, and a circular lawn that could even serve as a helipad.
While Burkle’s plans have been met with intense criticism, one of the main concerns among locals is the environmental impact and the disruption it would cause to the surrounding countryside.
The development could also raise significant issues in terms of infrastructure.
Little Tew’s limited amenities—two postboxes, a defunct bus stop, and a 19th-century church—mean the village lacks the resources to handle an influx of the wealthy.
Villagers are already struggling with speeding drivers in luxury cars, and the idea of a mansion catering to billionaires only adds to their anxieties.
The Archaeological Roadblock
In a surprising twist, Burkle’s plans have been met with a potential archaeological setback.
A recent report revealed that the site of the proposed mansion may hold remnants of an Iron Age hillfort.
Oxfordshire County Archaeological Service has recommended a field investigation before the planning application is approved, which could delay or even derail the project.
If the site is confirmed to contain significant archaeological features, it could alter the trajectory of the development.
While Burkle is legally obliged to undertake this investigation, it remains unclear whether the project will continue.
Despite this uncertainty, the battle over the mansion remains heated, with locals continuing to voice their opposition.
The Larger Picture: Protecting Rural England
For many in Little Tew, this is more than just a fight against one mansion—it’s a larger struggle to preserve the integrity of rural England in the face of increasing pressure from the wealthy elite.
“This isn’t just about one house,” says Cripps.
“It’s about protecting the character of rural life and ensuring that these areas aren’t turned into playgrounds for the rich.”
As the planning committee deliberates, the fate of Little Tew hangs in the balance.
Will the community’s fight to preserve their tranquil village succeed, or will this luxury mansion signal a new era for Oxfordshire’s countryside, one where wealth reigns supreme? Only time will tell.