Locals say since Stephen Parker and Hannah Passmore moved in with their six sons, the family has flouted planning laws by creating a new noisy entertainment area
15:52, 25 Nov 2024Updated 16:30, 25 Nov 2024
A couple who converted a boutique hotel into a residential home without permission have infuriated neighbours.
The once award-winning hotel owned by the late Gerard Basset, a world-renowned sommelier, was bought by Stephen Parker and Hannah Passmore for £1.25m last year.
But locals say since the pair moved in with their six sons, the family has flouted planning laws by creating a new noisy entertainment area and a 'viewing platform' that overlooks other people's gardens.
They accused the couple of hosting loud hot tub parties in the summer, and leaving bright lights on so that the property now resembles a 'theme park' at night. And say they even landed a helicopter on a makeshift helipad in the garden.
They reportedly started work on the huge Grade II listed building in the New Forest National Park, with neighbours saying they installed a noisy entertainment area, a 'viewing platform' that overlooks other people's gardens and the astro-turf football pitch has been used as a makeshift helipad.
But, the couple have defended their position, with Mr Parker telling a Parish council meeting that they have instead saved the listed building from falling further into a state of disrepair.
Last year, planning chiefs in the New Forest, Hants, banned the building from becoming a single residential property because the celebrated area needs tourism accommodation.
Mrs Passmore and Mr Parker have submitted a new bid to convert the hotel into a home - but angry neighbours say they flouted planning rules as they have already carried out the building works.
One angry neighbour, who asked to remain anonymous, said she is concerned that 'due process has not been followed'.
She said the hotel had always 'worked with neighbours' to ensure they are not subjected to light or noise pollution but now the newly transformed house resembles a 'theme park'.
Mr Parker told the meeting: "When we purchased the building, it was in disrepair. We have kind of put everything into it and providing something for the community, as well."
The couple said they moved into the building with their six sons and have already had to spent some £800,000 carrying out repairs.
The homeowner, who grew up in the village, said maintaining a hotel is 'not viable' and he was forced to move in earlier then planned to prevent travellers from living on the empty land.
The parish council said they would recommend approval for change of use - despite comments from angry neighbours.
The building was previously known as Hotel TerraVina, run by award-winning wine expert Gerard Basset - who co-founded the Hotel du Vin chain - and his wife Nina.
The hotel was voted the UK's best newcomer by The Good Hotel Guide in 2004. After he was diagnosed with cancer, in 2017, the Bassets turned the accommodation into a boutique bed and breakfast, called Spot In The Woods.
The French sommelier died age 61 after a 15 month battle with cancer in 2019. It is believed while Mrs Basset tried to run the inn, she eventually had no choice but to sell it to Hillbrooke Hotels in 2020.
After refurbishing the 11 bed hotel, Hillbrooke Hotels sold Spot in the Woods to Mrs Passmore and Mr Parker for £1,249,998 last year.