Ex-Miss Wales finalist is told her plans to sell £6million Omaze mansion could be ruined because of planning breaches
The winner of a £6 million prize draw house could struggle to sell it because of planning breaches, an estate agent has warned.
The winner of a £6 million prize draw house could struggle to sell it because of planning breaches, an estate agent has warned.
Ex-Miss Wales finalist Vicky Curtis-Cresswell, 38, became the owner of Larkfields in Norfolk – the most expensive home ever offered in a UK prize draw - after winning it in an Omaze competition that raised money for the BBC’s Comic Relief last month.
When she was unveiled as the lucky ticket holder on Friday, she admitted she was planning to put it on the market and buy another place closer to home.
But the stunning three-bedroom house overlooking the coast in Blakeney – built to resemble the exclusive homes of the Hamptons area of Long Island in the US - is at the centre of a council investigation after a member of public alerted the authorities to alleged planning breaches.
These include floor plans that appear to differ from what was approved. There are also additional outbuildings, a tennis court and a swimming pool that were said to have been added without planning permission.
North Norfolk District Council concluded the property had ‘not been completed in accordance with the approved plans’ after an investigation which including a visit from officers and is now in discussions with Omaze about what action to take.
Jamie Minors, managing director of local estate agents Minors and Brady, said: ‘This will massively affect the chance of sale, as some people will be put off and will not want to buy it. It could also affect the value.
‘Selling it will definitely be more difficult and challenging, as solicitors will definitely advise against it.’
£6 million Larkfields in Blakeney, Norfolk, is at the centre of a planning wrangle after a council said it had not followed approved plans. The house raised £4.1 million for the BBCs Comic Relief
Former Miss Wales finalist Vicky Curtis-Creswell, who scooped the £6 million Omaze house in Norfolk, pictured at the glamorous 2008 competition
However, he added the high-end property market also attracted wealthy people who would ‘try and find a way to resolve any problem’.
Ms Curtis-Cresswell, who bought her winning ticket for just £10, has never owned her own home before.
She currently lives with her husband, Dale, 41, and young daughter at her in-laws’ three-bedroom house in Wales and the family were looking for their own rental property when news of the win came in.
‘Our lives changed forever and we became multi-millionaires,’ said Ms Curtis-Creswell, who entered the Miss Wales competition in 2008 and won Most Driven Contestant.
‘I was absolutely flabbergasted, my sister-in-law burst out crying. It was a mixture of pure shock and joy.
‘Like a lot of people, it’s fair to say times can be tough. We both work so hard but things can still feel stretched some months. Winning this house feels like an enormous weight has been lifted.
‘It’s crazy. One week, we’re worrying about our old car breaking down, the next thing we’ve got a £6 million house.’
A living room in the £6 million house in Blakeney, Norfolk, that featured in the Omaze prize draw
Dining for ten at the substantial property, which overlooks the north Norfolk coast. Outside is another table and chair for al fresco meals
The light and airy house has three bedrooms and a number of reception rooms in one of the most sought-after parts of Norfolk
The kitchen at the imposing house, which was built in the style of architecture found in Cape Cod and the Hamptons, boasts integrated appliances, a US-style fridge and an island with seating for four people
Sun loungers by the outdoor pool give a view over spectacular scenery by the north Norfolk coastline
A £250,000 cash prize came with the 5,000 sq ft house, which also has a summer house, all-weather AstroTurf tennis court and access to a secluded pontoon and has £165,000 worth of furnishings.
The property could earn an estimated £5,500 per month if rented out - but Ms Curtis Cresswell added: ‘I think we’ll sell it to release the money and buy another amazing house somewhere in Wales.
‘We’ll be having a big party in Norfolk before we sell up. We can’t wait to invite our friends and family.’
But North Norfolk District Council started an investigation in February after the planning concerns were brought to its attention.
It later concluded the house had ‘not been completed in accordance with the approved plans and that additional works were undertaken where planning permission should have been obtained’.
Recommendations were made to Omaze, who were asked to ‘confirm their intentions’ by Tuesday last week. NNDC is now considering its next steps after receiving a response.
The recommendations – and Omaze’s reply - have not been disclosed but the council is likely to require the firm to apply for retrospective planning permission for elements of the property that have breached the rules.
The application would then follow normal procedures, including a consultation period during which comments in support of or objecting to the proposals can be made by members of the public and statutory bodies.
Planning officers would then make a decision on the application, or it could be passed to councillors to vote on at a planning committee meeting if there were particular concerns.
Vicky Curtis-Creswell, 38, and husband Dale, 41, won the house after spending just £10 on a ticket for the Omaze prize draw
Vicky Curtis-Creswell was named Most Driven Contestant at the 2008 Miss Wales competition
Omaze has repeatedly stated whoever won the property – which raised £4.1 million for Comic Relief - would not be hit with any costs associated with solving any planning problems.
A spokesman said today: ‘Omaze continues to work with North Norfolk District Council on the recommendations following their recent investigation into the Norfolk property.
‘Omaze reiterates its guarantee that the Norfolk winner will not be required to cover any costs or take any action to resolve historic planning issues, as Omaze is managing all necessary steps to address this matter.
‘Omaze further guarantees that all house prizes are transferred to winners with good and marketable title.’
The council was approached for a comment.