US billionaire behind Soho House and owner of Michael Jackson's Neverland ranch wins battle to build 'grotesque' Cotswolds mansion after government planning officials overturned council

Published: 11:34 EDT, 5 November 2026 | Updated: 11:41 EDT, 5 November 2026 A US billionaire behind Soho House has won the right to build a 'grotesque' mansion in the Cotswolds after government officials overruled local opposition. Tycoon Ronald Burkle was given permission to construct a six-bedroom country retreat in the village of Little Tew earlier this week after years of fighting villagers.Government officials from the Planning Inspectorate approved the plans despite bitter opposition from residents, who have been left 'very disappointed' by the decision. Mr Burkle, who also owns Michael Jackson's Neverland, was initially refused planning permission twice by West Oxfordshire District Council after local protests.But the 73-year-old challenged the ruling by the council and hired the top planning lawyer in the country, Charles Banner KC, to fight his case for him.When the appeal was heard this September the council mysteriously dropped their opposition to the plans, and adopted a 'neutral position'. Then on November 3, the government sided in favour of Mr Burkle describing his planned mansion as an 'outstanding and innovative design'.But Anthony Cripps, chairman of the village parish, told the Daily Mail: 'We have been very disappointed by the decision. 'What we would like to know is what changed between the council refusing the applications twice to changing their position midway through this application?' An artist impression of Ronald Burkle's mansion which can be built despite local opposition Business mogul Mr Burkle, pictured in September, already owns celebrity hotspot Soho HouseThe mansion will have a gun room, wine store, swimming pool and a new lake all built around a domed 'Pantheon Hall'. Mr Burkle's new home is just three miles from Soho House's nearby Soho Farmhouse, and is also near Jeremy Clarkson's Diddly Squat Farm.According to the ruling one of the reasons the complex was approved is because it is: 'a dwelling of outstanding and innovative design, biodiversity enhancement, landscape enhancement' along with 'high standards of environmental performance'.The government added: 'Furthermore, the proposal would provide a number of benefits. 'Whilst only a single dwelling would be delivered, it would nevertheless make a small contribution to housing supply at a time when the council cannot demonstrate a five-year supply of deliverable housing sites, to which I afford modest weight.'However, in their objection one local described the mansion as: 'truly outstanding grotesquerie' adding they were concerned over light and sound pollution. The Little Tew Conservation Group previously described the plans as 'harmful' to their homes and environment.They said in a statement: 'The impact of the proposed development upon the setting of the Little Tew Conservation Area would be harmful. Plan of the mansion Cotswolds with the grounds and the site where the lake would be included Ground floor plan submitted for Ronald Burkle's Cotswolds country house in Little Tew Little Tew is a few miles from Chipping Norton and Jeremy Clarkson's Diddly Squat Farm Shop 'This has been discussed and set out in previous submissions made by the Conservation Group and planning and conservation officers.'As for public benefits, these are of little weight and not as claimed in the summary of benefits submitted.'They do not produce overall environmental benefits but there are harmful impacts including on ecology, hydrology, landscape, heritage, archaeology and enjoyment of the footpaths in the countryside.'Mr Burkle is a Californian investor behind a string of deals involving US supermarkets.He bought a majority stake in Soho House – which includes Soho Farmhouse – in 2012 and serves as executive chairman. He purchased the Neverland ranch in December 2020 for around £16million.In a recent interview, the business mogul said he would be a good neighbour wherever he ends up living and support local charities and community organisations.West Oxfordshire District Council and representatives for Mr Burkle were approached for comment.