A Sandbanks multi-millionaire who spent £13million on the ‘world’s most expensive bungalow has been dealt a new blow after it was recommended that his right to build the home is refused.
Tom Glanfield, 46, bought a rundown bungalow in the exclusive area in Dorset dubbed ‘Millionaire’s Row’, in March 2023.
But since then he has been involved in a two year fight to demolish the cottage and replace with an eco-home.
But despite locals writing in 28 letters of support for the plans, councillors are now being recommended to turn it down on ‘conservation grounds’.
Planning officer Babatunde Aregbesola is to tell members at Bournemouth and Poole Council on Thursday: ‘The proposal by reason of the demolition of the existing cottage would result in the total loss of the non-designated heritage asset causing significant harm to the Sandbanks Conservation Area.
‘Consequently, losing a positive building within the Sandbanks CA to a single dwelling of an unsympathetic design is not considered a heritage or public benefit which could outweigh the harm to the significance of the Conservation Area.’
The matter was referred to the committee due to the high amount of public support.
Mr Glanfield, who was also turned down on an earlier proposal, is seeking to build a replacement building – described as a two-storey detached dwelling with a basement of a ‘contemporary design and a green roof.’
Permission is also being sought to enhance the sea wall.
Despite the public support, objections were raised by a conservation officer, who wrote it would result in the ‘complete loss of the period building’ that would ‘harm’ the Sandbanks conservation area.
They added this was ‘deemed unjustified considering alternative options involving the retention of the cottage could have been explored.’
‘Losing a positive building within the Sandbanks CA to a single dwelling of an inappropriate design is not considered a heritage or public benefit which could outweigh the harm to the significance of the CA,’ the conservation officer added.
Letters of support described the design as ‘sympathetic’ to the location and the environment and would bring a ‘clear enhancement.’
Others said the ‘modern sleek appearance’ was ‘entirely in keeping with houses in the surrounding area and is totally suitable for the conservation area.
The rebuilding of the seawall was also praised for providing a ‘much more attractive sea defence than the current unsightly crumbling wall.
Among those backing him was neighbour Ros Smart, who labelled the plans as ‘outstandingly innovative design for an iconic site’.
She said: ‘The modern sleek appearance is entirely in keeping with houses in the surrounding area and is totally suitable for the conservation area.’
Recruitment boss Tom, who lives in Poole, Dorset, is a self-made millionaire and previously said he remains determined to change the minds of council planners.
He added: ‘We have invested a considerable amount of time to create a bespoke design that combines a modern family home with the need to be sympathetic to the beautiful surroundings of the conservation area.
‘This is a personal vision of mine and with the aid of two local architects teamed together we have attempted to create a high quality timeless design for the future.
‘The plot needs a huge investment and BCP Council seem to have missed the proposal was a great opportunity for a substantial ecological and visual improvement to not only the house but also the site’s sea wall perimeter.
‘The currently rusting metal and concrete perimeter sea wall is both unsafe and unsightly from Poole Harbour.
‘Our application included a design by award winning landscape designer Andy Sturgeon that sought to remove the existing sea wall and concrete perimeter to Poole Harbour, and replace it with a discreet sea wall masked by native planting, sand dunes and rocks.
‘The aim is to re-naturalise the site’s perimeter when viewed from the sea, and offer an enhanced biodiversity benefit, through native planting and removal of the large areas currently paved in concrete.
‘My family and I consider Poole to be our home and my consultants, and I will continue to pursue the sensitive and eco-friendly redevelopment of this very special site.’
Tom previously said he wanted to transform the run-down bungalow – which he says has a leaking roof, mould and mildew and a cracked concrete driveway.
He wants to replace the property with a sustainable family eco home, complete with renewable power and a desalination facility.
He added: ‘My dream is to build a family home that will not only retain the modest beauty of the plot but will stand the test of time.’
A meeting of the council to decide the application is being held from 10am tomorrow. (Thurs)