Locals' fury at family after they buy £1.2m hotel and turn quiet village into 'theme park'

By Jon King, News Reporter

An angry local claims the house in Hampshire resembles a 'theme park' (Image: Solent News & Photo Agency)

A £1.2million hotel has sparked a bitter neighbourhood row as furious locals claim the owners have turned their village into a theme park.

Neighbours in the village of Woodlands in the New Forest National Park, Hampshire, claim the owners have hosted loud hot tub parties, built a "viewing platform" overlooking others' gardens and even landed a helicopter on a makeshift helipad.

Stephen Parker and Hannah Passmore bought the Grade II-listed building last year and are applying for planning permission to turn it into a family home.

An angry neighbour, who asked to remain anonymous, said the hotel had always "worked with neighbours" to make sure they weren't subjected to light or noise pollution but now the house resembles a "theme park".

The house is set in 1.5 acres of land and was previously Hotel TerraVina, an award-winning boutique hotel owned by the late Gerard Basset of Hotel du Vin fame.

Planners last year refused permission for the building to become a single, residential property because the area needs tourist accommodation, according to the Daily Star.

At the latest council meeting, tensions rose even further as Woodlands residents claimed the couple flouted a number of planning laws.

Neighbours, Mr and Mrs Reynolds, objected to plans for a terrace, claiming: "Coupled with the glass balustrades and elevated position of the hotel, it’s more like a viewing platform, overlooking surrounding residential properties including our own.

"It infringes on our right to privacy and is a nuisance."

The mansion sits in 1.5 acres of the New Forest National Park (Image: Getty)

Another neighbour, Dianne Smith, told the council: "There is also newly installed multicoloured lighting which causes significant light pollution and acts as a nuisance on a daily basis."

Ms Passmore and Mr Parker dispute the claims and say they have spent about £800,000 on repairs and to maintain the building as a hotel was "not viable".

Mr Parker said: "When we purchased the building, it was in disrepair. We have kind-of put everything into it and are providing something for the community, as well."

The parish council said it would recommend approval for change of use despite the objections.