Businessman who built 'abominable' conservatory on his Grade II listed Airbnb cottage without planning permission loses bid to keep it

Get your news delivered straight to you by 7am - sign up to our new Morning Mail newsletter for FREESee more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Published: 06:51 EDT, 29 July 2026 | Updated: 07:03 EDT, 29 July 2026 A businessman who built an 'abominable' conservatory on his Grade II listed Airbnb cottage without planning permission has lost his bid to keep it.Residents living close to Smallbrook Cottage, situated in the picturesque New Forest National Park in Hampshire, complained that the box-shaped conservatory was an 'appalling' eyesore.They added that the extension to the property was completely 'inappropriate' and against the 'character' of the rural area. The home is owned by property developer Ashkin Mittal, 55, who turned the thatched roof cottage into a £500-a-night Airbnb.Mr Mittal, who also owns a nearby golf club, later added the glass and pale green 'carbuncle' onto the side of the house without seeking planning permission.He has now lost his bid for retrospective permission - which means he might be forced to tear it down entirely in a victory for local residents.A neighbour to the cottage, who wanted to remain anonymous, remarked that Mr Mittal was 'rich enough' to pay for whatever penalties the retrospective refusal entailed.New Forest Councillor David Harrison said that the penalties could be 'punishing' and could even include 'demolishing it and building something more in keeping with the New Forest'. Pictured: The extension added to Smallbrook Cottage which residents have complained is completely 'inappropriate' and against the 'character' of the rural area The home is owned by property developer Ashkin Mittal. He has lost his bid for retrospective permission to build the conservatory - which means he might be forced to tear it down entirelyHe said: 'Well I think the important thing is when you have the responsibility of a Grade II listed cottage in the New Forest you must expect that there are quite strict planning laws to keep the New Forest a special place and to fit with its character.'Clearly it's very wise to consider planning applications before you build these extensions. In this case I think the design was totally inappropriate.'It's a beautiful building in a wonderful setting and if you're going to put an extension on it, it's obviously best to seek advice first.'The councillor added that people would agree it was 'reckless' to not have sought planning permission before construction.He continued: 'The consequences can be quite punishing. 'In the extreme they will have to demolish it and build something more in keeping with the New Forest. I wouldn't want to speculate but it's been known to happen.'It is possible to build an extension on a Grade II listed building but it requires Listed Building Consent and Planning Permission before any work begins.Members of the New Forest National Park Authority planning committee voted against the application during a meeting on July 21 despite an officer recommendation to approve.Councillor Harrison told the committee: 'I don't like this. I think it ruins a lovely building.'This is a carbuncle on what is a beautiful building. I am going to vote against the recommendation and let's see what the consequences are.'Another councillor, Brice Stratford, also told the committee: 'I think it is abominable that anybody would carry out such works to a listed building without seeking any form of planning consent, permission, or engaging with anyone who knows about listed buildings.'I think we're hugely fortunate that more damage hasn't been suffered by the building.'I do not think it is an appropriate structure and it is not sympathetic to the listed building. I am really appalled that it has occurred at all.'Just two months prior to the conservatory extension being rejected, Mr Mittal had retroactive permission rejected for a 37-metre wide padel court he had built for his golf club, which he has appealed.Mr Mittal is the owner of the Hamptworth Estate, which runs the cottage, golf club and the Cuckoo Inn pub.He also owns properties worth millions in central London as part of his property portfolio.The London-based developer often buys properties to renovate and rent out at premium rates.