The £6m Larksfields mansion, set in an posh seaside village, has been built bigger than its plans. It features a tennis court, swimming pool and outbuildings which don’t appear to have permission
A huge multimillion pound home, set to be the biggest ever prize given away by Omaze – and the first prize in their upcoming Comic Relief fundraiser – breaches planning rules, it has been revealed.
North Norfolk District Council’s planning officials say the £6m Larksfields mansion, set in an posh seaside village, has been built bigger than its plans. A member of the public spotted the error and pointed it out to the local authority who launched an investigation.
The council is due to meet next week to decide what to do next. It is not clear what the outcome will be or what will happen to the Comic Relief grand prize, which alongside the mansion, comes with a Porsche 911 Carrera and £250,000 in cash. But Omaze says any prize winner would not be forced to pay for any changes needed to the house, if imposed by the planning authority.
There was planning permission granted in 2020 to demolish the home on the site and replace it with a three-bedroom home. Further permission was given in 2021 for changes to the size of the windows and an extension. However outbuildings, a swimming pool and a tennis court, which are now present, do not seem to have appeared in planning applications at all.
NNDC cabinet member Andrew Brown said: “An investigation has been carried out internally and externally by the enforcement team. This has found breaches which are under consideration.” He added: “The development has not been made in accordance with the original plans therefore there are potential breaches of planning conditions. However it will have gained planning consent if completed within a certain time period. It is all about the timing of when the alterations were made.”
TV adverts, featuring celebrities including Rylan Clark, Jamie Oliver and Davina McCall, have been promoting the prize draw ahead of Red Nose Day on Friday, March 21.
Omaze has been approached for comment.