Residents of Swanmore and the wider Meon Valley are facing the potential loss of one of the village’s most historically and emotionally significant properties. Hiawatha, a rare flint cottage on Chapel Road, is believed to date back to the fourteen hundreds and has stood for centuries as a quiet witness to local life. For many decades it was home to the Abbott family, known to many in the village. Peggy Abbott ran a cherished hair salon and dance school, while four generations of the family made Hiawatha their home. When Eric Abbott, now in his nineties, sold the house, it was with a heartfelt hope that another family would treasure it as they had. He was assured that was the case. But he has since discovered it was in fact sold to a couple intending to demolish it and build two new "luxury", soulless properties in its place.

THE GARDENS ARE ALREADY BEING DESTROYED!

What is at stake?

If the application is approved, the village stands to lose a one of a kind historical building that cannot be replaced. The proposed new properties are modern executive style houses that bear no connection to the heritage or character of the village. Their construction would not only erase a part of Swanmore’s story but would also endanger local biodiversity. Hiawatha is home to protected species including slow worms, grass snakes and bats. Their habitats are already under pressure and this development would make the situation worse. If Hiawatha falls, it could open the floodgates to further unsympathetic development that chips away at the unique charm of the village.

Now is the time to act!
The planning application is active now and objections must be submitted before the end of April. There is still time to act but not much. By signing this petition you will show Winchester City Council that Hiawatha matters. That its history, biodiversity and connection to the community are worth protecting. That villages are more than a postcode or a profit opportunity. With enough voices we can push for a better outcome for Swanmore before it is too late.