City Tycoon’s Seaside Property Conundrum:
Tom Glanfield, a prominent city head-hunting tycoon, finds himself in a predicament after local planners reject his £13.5 million proposal to demolish and rebuild what was dubbed ‘the world’s most expensive bungalow.’
Purchase of North Haven Point:
In March 2023, Glanfield, 46, acquired the Edwardian cottage, North Haven Point, situated on Dorset’s exclusive Sandbanks resort.
Despite its run-down state, the property gained attention as ‘the world’s most expensive bungalow.’
Council Refusal and Heritage Designation:
Local council officials have categorically refused Glanfield permission to demolish and reconstruct the cottage.
The property, now nominated for inclusion on the local heritage list, holds the status of a non-designated heritage asset (NDHA) within a conservation area.
Neighbours’ Support and Planning Application:
Within a month of acquiring the property, Glanfield applied for planning permission to replace the cottage with a larger modern family home on its nearly 1.5-acre seafront plot.
Five neighbors supported the plan, envisioning a modern 5-bedroom house with improved sea defenses.
Opposition to £27 Million Housing Project:
In a separate but related story, wealthy homeowners are opposing a £27 million proposal to replace an Arts and Crafts mansion with three modern glass-fronted houses in the affluent Lilliput suburb near Sandbanks.
Controversial Modernization Plans:
Property developer Richard Carr and Fortitudo submitted the controversial plans, drawing over 50 objections from the affluent neighborhood.
The proposed trio of four-storey homes, worth £9 million each, faces criticism for being too ‘ostentatious’ and out of character with the area.
Louise McGlinn’s Valued Property:
The 1930s mansion, owned by Louise McGlinn, daughter of the late Body Shop investor Ian McGlinn, faces demolition in the proposed development.
The plans, submitted by Carr, receive backlash for potentially transforming the upscale neighborhood into ‘another Sandbanks.’
Concerns about Identical Glass Boxes:
Neighbors express concerns that the modern homes might make their attractive neighborhood lose its uniqueness, echoing the iconic Sandbanks with identical glass-fronted structures.
Glanfield’s Seaside Dream Deferred:
Despite Glanfield’s ambitious vision to transform his newly acquired property into a sustainable family eco-home, Bournemouth and Poole Council’s refusal, based on a conservation report, dashes his plans.
Conservation Officer’s Critique:
Conservation officer Kalina Kuteva criticizes the proposed replacement dwelling as having a ‘generic contemporary design,’ stating it would clash with the remaining Edwardian villas along Panorama Road and disrupt the conservation area’s character.
Glanfield’s Ambitious Home Design:
Glanfield’s intended ‘house among the trees’ would have featured five bedrooms, a raised jacuzzi bath with sea views, open-plan living spaces, an entertainment area, cinema room, gym, and sustainable features.
Neighborhood Perspectives:
Neighbours supporting Glanfield argue that the current property is small and outdated, endorsing the construction of a large contemporary house using modern materials.
Glanfield’s Background and Vision:
The recruitment boss turned multi-millionaire, Glanfield, started his business with a £9,000 student loan. Despite facing challenges initially, he grew his recruitment firm into a global enterprise.
His vision for the property involves creating a family home that respects the natural surroundings and withstands the test of time.
Sandbanks’ Desirability and Glanfield’s Aspirations:
Sandbanks, known as Britain’s answer to Miami Beach, has been one of the most desirable places to live in the UK.
Glanfield’s aspiration is to build a permanent family home using sustainable methods and locally sourced materials while respecting the property’s natural surroundings.
Legacy of Sandbanks:
Sandbanks, named the fourth most expensive place to buy residential property globally in 2000, boasts a prestigious reputation.
Glanfield’s dreams for the property aim to balance modern efficiency with environmental consciousness, acknowledging the challenges posed by the seafront location.**
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