Beauty queen who won luxury £6m mansion in £10 Omaze raffle is DENIED keys amid planning dispute
A UK beauty queen has been denied the keys to her own £6m home following an anonymous complaint about its design.
Former
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Vicky Curtis-Cresswell was in the Miss Wales 2008 Final in Cardiff
Credit: SWNS
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Her new luxury home won through Omaze is located in Larkfields in Norfolk
Credit: Omaze/SWNS
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It's swimming pool and tennis court were key in promoting the draw for the property
Credit: Omaze/SWNS
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Ms Curtis-Cresswell scooped the Omaze Million Pound House for £10
Credit: SWNS
The house, however, has been under investigation after a member of public raised concerns in March about the design approvals of the home.
Ms Curtis-Cresswell, originally from south Wales, described the "pure joy" she felt after winning the property in Blakeney, Norfolk.
She entered the Miss Wales competition in 2008, where she became a finalist and also won Most Driven Contestant.
But after winning the £10 Omaze raffle draw, Ms Curtis-Creswell said: "Our lives changed forever and we became multi-millionaires.
"It's crazy, one week, we're worrying about our old car breaking down, the next thing we've got a £6 million house."
She had been living at her in-laws' home and was hoping to find a property for her family.
The mansion was the most expensive that has been given away in a UK prize draw, as the competition raised £4m for BBC's Comic Relief.
It was modelled on the luxurious seaside villas of Long Island's Hamptons, with a tennis court and swimming pool.
Most read in Money
These features, however, are reported to not have planning permission, with the property also appearing to have been built larger than permitted according planning documents and photographs inspected.
Omaze say these issues were not revealed during checks and surveys by the fundraising firm before the property was purchased.
Win this coastal house in Cornwall with Omaze
They added: 'Omaze continues to work with North Norfolk District Council in relation to recommendations made regarding the property in Norfolk.
"Omaze has submitted a pre-application to the council and is submitting a retrospective planning application.
'Omaze reiterates that it guarantees no house winner would ever have to incur any costs whatsoever to remedy any historical planning issue.
"Omaze further guarantees that all house prizes are transferred to winners with good and marketable title."
North Norfolk District Council who are investigating the planning breaches of the home, which may have to face enforcement action and even rebuilding.
A spokesperson for the council said: "We are waiting for an application to be submitted by the owners to try and regularise the current breaches of planning control.
"We are expecting an application to be submitted by the end of this month."
Ms Curtis-Cresswell has revealed she plans to sell the luxury mansion to instead buy a house in Wales for her family.
Managing director of local estate agents Minors and Brady, Jamie Minors, has however said the planning problems are likely to significantly impact the property's chance of sale, as well as value.
He said: "Selling it will definitely be more difficult and challenging, as solicitors will definitely advise against it."
Read more on the Irish Sun
If rented out, the property could earn around £5,500 per month, but Ms Curtis-Cresswell has said: "I think we'll sell it to release the money and buy another amazing house somewhere in Wales."
The 5,000 square-foot home came with a £250,000 cash prize, along with its summer house, all-weather AstroTruf tennis court, secluded pontoon, and £165,000 worth of furnishing.
What to Do If You Disagree with the Council's Planning Decision
Disputes over planning applications can be stressful, but there are steps you can take to challenge or resolve the situation:
Understand the Reasons
: Carefully review the council's decision and the specific reasons for refusal or enforcement. This will help you identify areas to address.
Seek Professional Advice
: Consult a planning consultant or solicitor with expertise in planning law. They can offer tailored advice and represent your case if necessary.
Submit an Appeal
: If you believe the decision is unfair, you can appeal to the Planning Inspectorate. Be prepared to provide evidence and technical details to support your case.
Explore Compromise
: Engage with the council to see if a compromise can be reached. Adjusting aspects of the development, such as materials or design, may lead to an acceptable solution.
Engage the Community
: Support from neighbours and local residents can strengthen your position. A petition or letters of support may highlight the development's benefits.
Act Promptly
: There are strict time limits for appeals and responses to enforcement notices. Ensure you act within the specified deadlines to avoid further complications.
Remember, while it can be frustrating, maintaining a constructive dialogue with the council is often the best way to find a resolution.
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Ms Curtis-Cresswell, currently lives with her husband, Dale, 41, and young daughter
Credit: Mark Field Photography/Omaze/SWNS
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The home was built in the style of architecture found in Cape Cod and the Hamptons
Credit: Omaze/SWNS
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Her new home comes with a wrap-around balcony offering panoramic views of the North Norfolk Coast
Credit: SWNS
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