A HOMEOWNER who sparked outrage among neighbours for destroying a quaint 300-year-old cottage without permission has now made plans to rebuild it.
Locals of Nursling, near Southampton, watched in horror as Natalie Matthews, the owner of Wychwood Cottage, knocked down the idyllic, thatched property last July.
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Natalie Matthews has made plans to rebuild the property Credit: Facebook
Natalie sparked outrage among residents after demolishing a 300-year-old cottage Credit: Solent
The shocking demolition – which took place in under an hour – prompted the council to launch planning enforcement action.
At the time, Natalie claimed the centuries-old cottage had been deemed beyond repair and that she had originally bought the property with plans to renovate.
She described the cottage as “structurally unsound”, adding that there was “nothing meaningful” to restore.
Natalie bought the property with the aid of a bridging loan and family help, saying it had felt “impossible” to get a foot on the housing ladder.
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Locals were devastated after the quaint, thatched property was destroyed Credit: Solent
The mother-of-two said she ‘deeply regretted’ destroying the property and now plans to rebuild it Credit: Solent
However, the mother-of-two said she “deeply regretted” the decision to knock it down and would make it up to the community.
Her plans to rebuild the quaint, thatched cottage have been welcomed by residents.
Nicola Winnard, who has lived in Nursling for over two decades, said: “I thought it was disgusting when it was torn down.
“We just couldn’t believe it.
“I’m so thrilled the cottage will be rebuilt with the same thatched roof that it had before.”
She said that the whole street had been “up in arms” following its destruction but added that news of its return – albeit a reimagination – was widely celebrated.
“We always admired it and it was part of the community – I’m so pleased,” said Nicola.
“We look for changes at the site every time we walk past.”
Pam Leith, who has lived just a stone’s throw from the property for 26 years, said Wychwood Cottage’s demolition was “such a sad loss” to the village.
“I’m so happy to hear it’s going to be rebuilt, it was such a sad loss to the village,” she said.
“We thought it was going to be re-thatched and the next thing we knew it was flattened.
“I was in shock – I loved that little house.”
Like many residents, she said she was delighted the cottage would be reconstructed.
Neighbour Iain Mackillon, who has lived in Nursling for a decade, said: “I was pegging out my washing when they tore it down.
“It was a real shock.
“I think it’s fantastic that it’s going to be rebuilt and shows that you can’t flout planning rules.”
Test Valley Borough Council vowed to pursue legal action following Natalie’s decision to tear down the cottage and insisted it would see the property rebuilt.
Planning portfolio holder at Test Valley Borough Council Councillor Phil Bundy said: “It was always the council’s intention to press for the situation to be rectified.
“Nobody wanted to see it go and it had been there for a very long time.
“I am hoping the new cottage will reflect what was there before it was demolished.
“We want people to look at it and think that’s the old cottage.”
