Newland Mill 'party house': guests 'smoked, littered and shrieked'

Police found a 'large quantity' of cannabis inside the property, in Newland Mill, when they raided the building alongside bailiffs last week.

The home had appeared empty since the end of last year, but residents revealed large groups, including hen and stag parties, used it as a guest house throughout last summer.

Neighbours had already endured disruption when plans to change the property to a guest house were refused last April, but one person explained the problems spiralled from there.

She said: "The installation of the hot tub in the summer made the situation ten times worse.

"Partygoers stayed in the garden until late shrieking and shouting. Allied to that was the language being used.

She added: "It affected the lives of the closest neighbours hugely.

"There was traffic and parking issues, noise from music, noise from people shouting, people smoking outside and litter and debris all over the place the next day."

Neighbours first saw groups and individuals staying at the property last year. It was thought to be on a long-term let to a man who applied for change of use, which drew 'huge opposition'.

Visitors continued to stay throughout this time, while the property was seen advertised online on Booking.com, Airbnb and on Eastern European websites.

The house is still listed as a guest house on hotel comparison website Trivago, but is unavailable to book.

When the application was refused by West Oxfordshire District Council last April, the officer's report read: "[The] property has already been advertised on both UK and European websites. Apparently in some cases stating cash only, leaving neighbours questioning legitimacy and professionalism."

Other concerns mentioned included an 'increase in littering from smoking out the front of the property'.

It was around this time younger guests began turning up, according to the neighbour, who said the house was used 'pretty much every weekend', with groups ranging from 'half a dozen to nearly 20 at times'.

Residents complained 'several times' to the district council's planning department, before 'everything went quiet' in November.

An injunction came into force, with an email sent by an officer at the district council's planning department in January explaining the house 'must not be used for weekend or short term lets of less than a fortnight'.

The email adds: "It is my understanding that the property is now let to a tenant on a medium to long-term basis."

The neighbour said she had not seen anyone inside since November, but 'lights went on and off and curtains were drawn at various windows'.

Police arrived on Tuesday, with another resident adding: "Neighbours were told the house was being repossessed for the owners."

The force remained at the scene last Wednesday, with both a police and forensics officer spotted inside.

A Thames Valley Police spokesperson said: "Officers were called to a property in Newland Mill Road, Witney at around 6.30pm on Tuesday July 16. A large quantity of cannabis was found. No arrests have been made and an investigation is ongoing."

West Oxfordshire District Council said on Wednesday it was unaware of any repossession.