The £6m Mansion Raffle and the Planning Controversy
A £6 million mansion, raffled off by Omaze in a high-profile collaboration with Comic Relief, is now under scrutiny by local councillors due to concerns over potential planning breaches. This dream home, which raised millions of pounds for the BBC charity, was won by a former Miss Wales in March. However, the winner has yet to receive the keys, as discrepancies between the approved development and what was actually built have come to light.
The property, located in Blakeney, Norfolk, features a single-storey extension, garage, summerhouse, swimming pool, and tennis court—none of which were approved during the initial planning process. These additions have sparked significant debate among residents and local authorities, raising questions about compliance with planning regulations.
North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) had initially recommended that a retrospective planning application be approved. However, the matter has now been escalated to councillors for further review. The increased attention follows concerns raised by Conservative member Victoria Holliday, who claims that a distinctive group of pine trees were felled to make way for the pool and that a wildflower meadow was destroyed for the tennis court. She argues that these changes are not in keeping with the coastal property’s natural beauty.
Blakeney is situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which means there are strict controls on any developments. Blakeney Parish Council has previously objected to the unapproved parts of the property, stating that they breach planning policies designed to safeguard the countryside’s character.
A neighbor also submitted a formal objection, criticizing developers for taking a casual approach to planning permissions and relying on retroactive approvals. The NNDC’s development committee, which includes Blakeney councillor Ms. Holliday, will now consider the matter on October 16 after she filed the call-in papers.
The mansion, named Larkfields, is styled similarly to exclusive homes found in The Hamptons area of Long Island. The council launched a probe in February—just a month before Red Nose Day—after a member of the public noticed potential issues with the property, which was built in 2020.
Plans to announce the raffle winner live during Comic Relief coverage were shelved as a result. Vicky Curtis-Cresswell, the 38-year-old winner, has expressed her desire to sell the mansion. However, the planning breaches have delayed her plans and could affect the property’s value.
When she won, Vicky was looking for a rental home while living with her husband Dale, 41, and their young daughter at her in-laws’ three-bedroom house in Wales. Speaking at the time, she said, “It’s crazy. One week, we’re worrying about our old car breaking down, the next thing we’ve got a £6 million house.”
The prize included a £250,000 cash award along with the 5,000 sq ft house, which has access to a secluded pontoon and £165,000 worth of furnishings. Letting agents estimate it could be rented out for £5,500 per month.
Earlier this year, the NNDC concluded that the property had not been completed in accordance with the approved plans after an investigation that included a visit from officers. Jamie Minors, managing director of local estate agents Minors and Brady, stated that this would significantly impact the chances of sale, as some buyers might be deterred.
However, he added that the high-end property market attracts wealthy individuals who may find ways to resolve such issues. Omaze has requested that the council allow the single-storey extension to the eastern wing, the four-bay garage, summerhouse, tennis court with associated enclosure and landscaping, and the outdoor swimming pool.
If councillors refuse permission, all these structures could be demolished, although Omaze could appeal to the Planning Inspectorate. The for-profit company, founded in the US, buys luxury properties for prize draws and donates at least 17% of proceeds to charities. Larkfields raised over £4.1 million for Comic Relief.
Omaze has stated that it is working closely with North Norfolk District Council to resolve the issue swiftly. A spokesman said, “Omaze has been working closely with North Norfolk District Council and is making every effort to resolve this matter as swiftly and efficiently as possible.”
The council has confirmed that its development committee will consider a recommendation to approve retrospective planning permission for Larkfields at its meeting on October 16. As the situation unfolds, the future of the mansion remains uncertain, with potential implications for both the winner and the local community.
