Tom Glanfield, a 46-year-old self-made millionaire from Poole, Dorset, has been caught up in a long-running battle to replace a rundown cottage in one of the UK’s most exclusive areas — Sandbanks, often called “Millionaire’s Row.”
Despite spending £13 million on what he’s dubbed the “world’s most expensive bungalow,” Tom’s plans to demolish the existing house and build a modern eco-friendly family home have hit fresh obstacles.
Plans to Tear Down Cottage Meet Conservation Concerns
Tom bought the property back in March 2023 with a clear vision: demolish the old, dilapidated cottage and build a sleek, two-storey eco-home with a green roof and sustainable features.
But local councillors are now being advised to reject his application on conservation grounds.
The key issue? The existing cottage is seen as a “non-designated heritage asset” within the Sandbanks Conservation Area, and tearing it down would cause “significant harm” to the neighborhood’s character.
The planning officer, Babatunde Aregbesola, is set to recommend refusal at the upcoming Bournemouth and Poole Council meeting, warning that the proposed new home’s design doesn’t outweigh the damage losing the period building would cause.
Supporters Praise Modern Design and Environmental Benefits
Despite the official recommendation to refuse the plan, Tom has attracted significant local support.
In fact, 28 letters were sent in favor of his proposal.
Supporters describe his design as “sympathetic” to the surroundings and a “clear enhancement” compared to the existing building.
Neighbors have highlighted the modern, sleek appearance as fitting in well with other properties in the area.
One local, Ros Smart, called the design “outstandingly innovative for such an iconic site.”
She stressed that the new home would complement the conservation area rather than clash with it.
A Vision Beyond Just a Home: Revamping the Sea Wall
More than just the house itself, Tom’s plans include a major upgrade to the crumbling and unsafe sea wall surrounding the property.
The current concrete and metal barrier is described as “rusting” and “unsightly” when viewed from Poole Harbour.
The new proposal features a discreet sea wall cleverly hidden behind native plants, sand dunes, and rocks — designed by award-winning landscape designer Andy Sturgeon.
This environmentally focused revamp aims to restore the natural look of the shoreline and improve biodiversity by removing large concrete expanses and introducing native planting.
Tom’s Commitment to a Sustainable Future in Poole
Tom, a recruitment industry boss, is clearly passionate about his project.
He insists that his family sees Poole as home and that the eco-friendly redevelopment is a deeply personal goal.
Working with two local architects, he says they’ve created a timeless design that balances modern family living with respect for the beautiful conservation area.
He also pointed out the urgent need to invest in the site, highlighting the leaking roof, mould issues, and cracked driveway of the existing bungalow as further reasons to support redevelopment.
What Happens Next for the High-Stakes Planning Battle?
All eyes will be on the Bournemouth and Poole Council meeting scheduled for 10 am this Thursday, where councillors will decide whether to approve or reject Tom’s application.
If refused, it won’t be the first time he’s faced rejection — he was turned down previously, and the fight to bring his eco-home vision to life is clearly far from over.
Tom remains determined, saying, “My dream is to build a family home that respects the modest beauty of the plot and will stand the test of time.”
With public opinion divided and conservation officers raising strong objections, this planning saga at Sandbanks promises to keep the local community—and Tom—watching closely.