The land owner behind the demolition of a 300-year-old Nursling cottage that was torn down without permission has said she 'deeply regrets' her actions.

As revealed in the Echo last week, a 17th century cottage on Nursling Street, called Wychwood, was ripped from the ground without planning consent by Test Valley Borough Council.   

The owner of the home has now taken to social media to clear the air and said the cottage was pulled down after it became clear it was damaged "beyond repair". 

Nursling mother, Natalie Matthews said on Facebook: "Like many in my generation, getting onto the housing ladder has felt impossible. I’ve been trapped in the rental cycle, with little hope of ever owning a home in the village where I grew up.

"I paid £350,000.00 for Wychwood and the plot in March this year.

"For those who know me, and for those who don’t, I’m a full-time working mum. I live in a two-bedroom social housing flat in Nursling with my ten-year-old son, and I’m currently expecting another baby in August.

"My intention was always to renovate the cottage, sell it, and use the funds to build a home for us on the neighbouring plot, then re-mortgage to repay my bridging loan."

Test Valley had granted planning permission for a separate home to be built on the Nursling street plot provided that it respected the historical Wychwood cottage. 

READ MORE: 300-year-old Nursling cottage torn down without permission

Natalie continued: "Things changed once we began work. After stripping off the thatched roof, we discovered just how structurally unsound the building really was.

"At that point, after taking advice, it felt clear there was nothing meaningful left of the original building to restore. I made the decision to rebuild.

"Looking back, I accept that I should have paused, taken further advice, and followed the correct planning process before making such a decision.

"I take full responsibility for that and deeply regret my actions and any upset caused. But please understand, my intention was never to disrespect the history of the village or act recklessly.

"The cottage was already too far gone. In truth, I was the last person in a long line who tried and failed to save it.

"By the time I stepped in, there was very little left to preserve, and I seem to be picking up the full responsibility for it.

"I hope this post brings some clarity."