Latest news with #GrandDesigns-style
The Irish Sun
30-06-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
I have to tear down £50k Grand Designs-style mansion as council say it ‘doesn't fit'… but it's only trains who see it
A BUILDER has been ordered to tear down his £50k Grand Designs-style mansion after the council said it doesn't fit in. Tonnes of soil was excavated from Shokat Khan's 3 Shokat Khan added a new building at the bottom of his property's garden in Bradford Credit: Ben Lack 3 But he has left it unfinished for two years due to council's plans to demolish it Credit: Ben Lack 3 They have called the building illegal with its 'incongruous' and 'prominent' design Credit: Ben Lack The father-of-one, who is originally from America, wanted to "bring a slice of California" to his West Yorkshire home that is fit with a home office, games room, It is cleverly hidden from view by a railway embankment below, and therefore only visible to trains passing by. However, council officials have rules the structure was built without permission, and declared the entire £50,000 project illegal. Following years of investment by Mr Khan into the ambitious build, the council have ordered for it to be demolished. Mr Khan, thinking his property would not be intrusive or overbearing for neighbours, said: ""Because it's in a valley that nobody can see, I thought it was perfect. "I won't build it up, I'll build it down, so you can't see anything." He added: "The building inspector came out in 2008 and gave me the go-ahead, and I never heard anything from the council for years. "There was no suggestion at all that I had done anything wrong." Most read in Money If But because Mr Khan did it all himself, from removing the vegetation, laying concrete foundations, and building up from the foot of the embankment to garden level, he thought the project fell within permitted development rights. Iconic Grand Designs 'perfect' house which couple spent 20 years 'painstakingly' renovating hits market for £1.5million Bradford Council, however, took enforcement action last August by demanding he demolish the structure within three months. They described the building as "incongruous" and "prominent" with its modern design, white render finishing and 'scale, massing and position upon an otherwise undeveloped embankment." During a planning committee meeting, planners also claimed the rooftop terrace provided 'unrestricted views into the most private areas' of a neighbour's home. Mr Khan argues the council's enforcement action comes too late, as the project was started more than decade ago. He also insists the annex was built to a very high standard, with structural engineer backing: "I've gone at least five times over what is stipulated by building regulations. "When I build something, I build something where it's going to last." "I've done everything by the book, gone above and beyond," Mr Khan continued. "I've worked on it after work, digging and building myself." "You just want to create something beautiful that'll be there after you're gone - and still, you're treated like you've done something wrong.' The 55-year-old still has greater plans for the property, including installing a kitchenette, toilet, Jacuzzi and full-size pool table. But he may have to demolish the building entirely, if his current appeal to the Planning Inspectorate is unsuccessful. Mr Khan is determined to fight if it comes to it: "I've got lawyers. I'll go all the way. Anyone with sense can see the value in what I've built. "It's not intrusive at all. You have to think of people other than yourself. "I could have built a granny annex at ground level which would have been imposing - instead they're looking at something much nicer." He expects the home could be finished within five months, but it's been two years since he has done anything to its interior due to fears its demolition could come at any moment. "I've felt like jumping off the rooftop because of all this constant harassment from the council." Bradford Council, however, have defended their decisions and stated: "The difficulty with this proposal is that the size of the outbuilding with the amount of floor space over multiple levels is substantial in the context of a private dwelling. "The building is large and the floorspace is utilised over multiple floors, and the local planning authority has not been provided with any details or any explanations as to why such an amount of space for an outbuilding use would be required for that amount of ancillary space." Read more on the Irish Sun Mr Khan suspects the source of council's antagonism may be a But he thought the build would be something all the neighbours could enjoy.
Scottish Sun
30-06-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
I have to tear down £50k Grand Designs-style mansion as council say it ‘doesn't fit'… but it's only trains who see it
HOUSE THAT I have to tear down £50k Grand Designs-style mansion as council say it 'doesn't fit'… but it's only trains who see it A BUILDER has been ordered to tear down his £50k Grand Designs-style mansion after the council said it doesn't fit in. Tonnes of soil was excavated from Shokat Khan's garden to build a three-storey bunker-like addition to his home in Bradford. 3 Shokat Khan added a new building at the bottom of his property's garden in Bradford Credit: Ben Lack 3 But he has left it unfinished for two years due to council's plans to demolish it Credit: Ben Lack 3 They have called the building illegal with its 'incongruous' and 'prominent' design Credit: Ben Lack The father-of-one, who is originally from America, wanted to "bring a slice of California" to his West Yorkshire home that is fit with a home office, games room, gym and rooftop terrace. It is cleverly hidden from view by a railway embankment below, and therefore only visible to trains passing by. However, council officials have rules the structure was built without permission, and declared the entire £50,000 project illegal. Following years of investment by Mr Khan into the ambitious build, the council have ordered for it to be demolished. Mr Khan, thinking his property would not be intrusive or overbearing for neighbours, said: ""Because it's in a valley that nobody can see, I thought it was perfect. "I won't build it up, I'll build it down, so you can't see anything." He added: "The building inspector came out in 2008 and gave me the go-ahead, and I never heard anything from the council for years. "There was no suggestion at all that I had done anything wrong." If built commercially, the white-rendered grand annex would have cost around £250,000. But because Mr Khan did it all himself, from removing the vegetation, laying concrete foundations, and building up from the foot of the embankment to garden level, he thought the project fell within permitted development rights. Iconic Grand Designs 'perfect' house which couple spent 20 years 'painstakingly' renovating hits market for £1.5million Bradford Council, however, took enforcement action last August by demanding he demolish the structure within three months. They described the building as "incongruous" and "prominent" with its modern design, white render finishing and 'scale, massing and position upon an otherwise undeveloped embankment." During a planning committee meeting, planners also claimed the rooftop terrace provided 'unrestricted views into the most private areas' of a neighbour's home. Mr Khan argues the council's enforcement action comes too late, as the project was started more than decade ago. He also insists the annex was built to a very high standard, with structural engineer backing: "I've gone at least five times over what is stipulated by building regulations. "When I build something, I build something where it's going to last." "I've done everything by the book, gone above and beyond," Mr Khan continued. "I've worked on it after work, digging and building myself." "You just want to create something beautiful that'll be there after you're gone - and still, you're treated like you've done something wrong.' The 55-year-old still has greater plans for the property, including installing a kitchenette, toilet, Jacuzzi and full-size pool table. But he may have to demolish the building entirely, if his current appeal to the Planning Inspectorate is unsuccessful. Mr Khan is determined to fight if it comes to it: "I've got lawyers. I'll go all the way. Anyone with sense can see the value in what I've built. "It's not intrusive at all. You have to think of people other than yourself. "I could have built a granny annex at ground level which would have been imposing - instead they're looking at something much nicer." He expects the home could be finished within five months, but it's been two years since he has done anything to its interior due to fears its demolition could come at any moment. "I've felt like jumping off the rooftop because of all this constant harassment from the council." Bradford Council, however, have defended their decisions and stated: "The difficulty with this proposal is that the size of the outbuilding with the amount of floor space over multiple levels is substantial in the context of a private dwelling. "The building is large and the floorspace is utilised over multiple floors, and the local planning authority has not been provided with any details or any explanations as to why such an amount of space for an outbuilding use would be required for that amount of ancillary space." Mr Khan suspects the source of council's antagonism may be a neighbour complaint. But he thought the build would be something all the neighbours could enjoy.
Scottish Sun
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Davinia Taylor wins battle to transform £1.7m mansion – as she cashes in on bio-hacking transformation
The stunning home boasts amazing features, including cornice ceiling and working fireplaces with countryside views TAYLOR-MADE Davinia Taylor wins battle to transform £1.7m mansion – as she cashes in on bio-hacking transformation Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ACTRESS Davinia Taylor has won her battle to turn a barn into a gym and health spa at her historic country home - but will have to make room for bats. The former Hollyoaks star has splashed out on a Grand Designs-style makeover of her £1.7million rural retreat which boasts a new outdoor swimming pool. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 9 Actress Davinia Taylor has won her battle to turn a barn into a gym and health spa at her historic country home - but will have to make room for bats Credit: Dan Charity 9 The star's stunning home is set to get a glow up Credit: Instagram 9 She plans on turning a barn into a gym and health spa at the huge pad Credit: Instagram 9 Davinia Taylor played Jude Cunningham in Channel 4's Hollyoaks from 1996 to 1998 and reprised the role in 2016 Credit: Getty - Contributor Now the weight loss expert wants to convert a crumbling barn at the 19th Century pad into a private gym and health spa with a sauna and two treatment rooms. The former stables will also have a ground floor gym, lobby and staff quarters with an en-suite bedroom for an employee to help run the estate in Lancashire. But a bat survey carried out ahead of the proposed development found common pipistrelle bats - a protected species - flying into the barn. It is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act to intentionally or recklessly harm or disturb them, which means Davinia will have to put up special bat boxes on the barn and nearby trees. In their report, an ecologist said: "Due to the transient nature of bats, their presence can never be entirely ruled out and a precautionary method of working should be adopted. "Therefore if bats are found during any stage of the development, work should stop immediately and a suitably qualified ecologist should be contacted to seek further advice." Davinia, 47, played Jude Cunningham in Hollyoaks and is also a former party girl and member of the Primrose Hill set, having previously been married to David Beckham's pal Dave Gardner. She and husband Matthew Leyden bought their historic country home four years ago after it came onto the market for the first time in years. The 6,723 property boasts original period features including cornice ceiling and working fireplaces with stunning countryside views in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Davinia has previously been given the go-ahead for a garden room extension and 26x9ft swimming pool, and has now applied for a "change of use" of the barn to a residential annexe. Davinia Taylor: My health journey In a design statement, her planning agent said: "The front-facing elevation is in a very poor state of repair and requires complete rebuilding. "The conversion of the barn does not affect the existing domestic residential curtilage and, as such, will not result in undue harm to the visual amenity of the area or character of landscape. "Bats were found to be present and, as such, the relevant protective measures must be adhered to on commencement of any restoration works/alterations." Officials at the local council gave the go-ahead after there were no objections from neighbours in the designated conservation area. 9 Davinia often posts videos from inside her luxury home Credit: Instagram 9 Davinia has previously been given the go-ahead for a garden room extension and 26x9ft swimming pool Credit: Instagram 9 The star turned her back on acting in favour of becoming a health and fitness guru Credit: Instagram 9 Davinia's partner Matthew Leyden Credit: Instagram
The Irish Sun
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Davinia Taylor wins battle to transform £1.7m mansion – as she cashes in on bio-hacking transformation
ACTRESS Davinia Taylor has won her battle to turn a barn into a gym and health spa at her historic country home - but will have to make room for bats. The former Hollyoaks star has splashed out on a Grand Designs-style makeover of her £1.7million rural retreat which boasts a new outdoor swimming pool. Advertisement 9 Actress Davinia Taylor has won her battle to turn a barn into a gym and health spa at her historic country home - but will have to make room for bats Credit: Dan Charity 9 The star's stunning home is set to get a glow up Credit: Instagram 9 She plans on turning a barn into a gym and health spa at the huge pad Credit: Instagram 9 Davinia Taylor played Jude Cunningham in Channel 4's Hollyoaks from 1996 to 1998 and reprised the role in 2016 Credit: Getty - Contributor Now the The former stables will also have a ground floor gym, lobby and staff quarters with an en-suite bedroom for an employee to help run the estate in Lancashire. But a bat survey carried out ahead of the proposed development found common pipistrelle bats - a protected species - flying into the barn. It is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act to intentionally or recklessly harm or disturb them, which means Davinia will have to put up special bat boxes on the barn and nearby trees. Advertisement Read More on Davinia Taylor In their report, an ecologist said: "Due to the transient nature of bats, their presence can never be entirely ruled out and a precautionary method of working should be adopted. "Therefore if bats are found during any stage of the development, work should stop immediately and a suitably qualified ecologist should be contacted to seek further advice." Davinia, 47, played Jude Cunningham in Hollyoaks and is also a former party girl and member of the Primrose Hill set, having previously been married to David Beckham's pal Dave Gardner. She and husband Matthew Leyden bought their historic country home four years ago after it came onto the market for the first time in years. Advertisement Most read in Celebrity The 6,723 property boasts original period features including cornice ceiling and working fireplaces with stunning countryside views in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Davinia has previously been given the go-ahead for a garden room extension and 26x9ft swimming pool, and has now applied for a "change of use" of the barn to a residential annexe. Davinia Taylor: My health journey In a design statement, her planning agent said: "The front-facing elevation is in a very poor state of repair and requires complete rebuilding. "The conversion of the barn does not affect the existing domestic residential curtilage and, as such, will not result in undue harm to the visual amenity of the area or character of landscape. Advertisement "Bats were found to be present and, as such, the relevant protective measures must be adhered to on commencement of any restoration works/alterations." Officials at the local council gave the go-ahead after there were no objections from neighbours in the designated conservation area. 9 Davinia often posts videos from inside her luxury home Credit: Instagram 9 Davinia has previously been given the go-ahead for a garden room extension and 26x9ft swimming pool Credit: Instagram Advertisement 9 The star turned her back on acting in favour of becoming a health and fitness guru Credit: Instagram 9 Davinia's partner Matthew Leyden Credit: Instagram 9 Davinia starring in Hollyoaks Credit: Lime Pictures
Scottish Sun
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Nightmare neighbours chuck MUD on Grand Designs-style home & annoy guests – they say it's an ‘eyesore' but they're wrong
One neighbour claimed it was making her life a 'misery' MUDDY HELL Nightmare neighbours chuck MUD on Grand Designs-style home & annoy guests – they say it's an 'eyesore' but they're wrong Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) NIGHTMARE neighbours have allegedly harassed and thrown mud on a Grand Designs-style home, with residents calling the property an "eyesore" - but the owner claims they're wrong. Karl Jones, the owner of a luxury holiday barn conversion in the Welsh countryside, revealed a village has shunned him after complaints that he turned it into an "alien ocean liner" where guests parade naked. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 11 The luxury holiday barn conversion in Penisarwaun, North Wales Credit: WNS 11 The owner charges guests £300-a-night Credit: WNS 11 Guests were allegedly harassed during their countryside breaks in Wales Credit: WNS 11 Fuming neighbours had taken to the council to complain about 'rowdy visitors playing loud music' Credit: WNS The property developer is furious with locals who protested about his £300-a-night barn makeover. He claims he was forced to call the police after mud was thrown at the house and guests were allegedly harassed during their countryside breaks in Wales. Villagers have complained their lives are being ruined by 'rowdy visitors playing loud music' and the 'noisy' use of a hot tub. Locals say the 18ft glass windows in the barn end make it look like an ocean liner, not a country barn. Owner Mr Jones claims the accusations are 'unfounded' and 'fabricated' - and some guests say people have been 'trespassing' and 'verbally harassing' them. His barn at Penisarwaun, North Wales, has had a back-dated planning bid thrown out. But Mr Jones blasted: 'As someone born, raised, and still proudly residing in Wales, my intention has always been to celebrate the beauty of this area and our country as a whole. 'It is incredibly disheartening to feel ostracised by the very community I belong to – simply because I sought to create a better future for my children in the wake of the financial challenges brought about by the pandemic.' Mr Jones said he and his team had been 'under the impression' that planning had been previously granted. He added: 'The council and their team visited the site multiple times, signed off on the work being done, they were fully aware of the build we were undertaking. Moment neighbour 'STEALS' 1.9m of next door's garden & tears down their shed in bitter land row while they're on holiday 'We were always under the impression all work was approved. We believed the process had been completed.' The property was hit with a planning enforcement notice in April, ordering it to stop being used as a short-term holiday let, revert to being an annexe of the main house, Plas Coch, and have its windows removed. He claimed there had also been 'two troubling incidents' – involving mud thrown over a hedge, trespassing onto the property and verbal harassment of guests, reported to police on 30 April and 4 May. Mr Jones said he reported another incident to the police while construction work was underway on the barn. Fuming neighbours had taken to the council to complain about "rowdy visitors playing loud music" and noise pollution from a hot tub where nude holidaymakers hang out. When the retrospective planning application was submitted, many villagers objected to it — protesting the 'massive' and 'horrendous' window. 'MISERY' One resident slammed the house as having a "harmful effect on a small, quiet area of rural Wales" and described a loss of privacy for residents. Janet Gayther, 82, whose home is overlooked by the giant window, said she frequently sees guests in their birthday suit - and it's making her life a "misery". "I've seen all sorts - people coming out and getting in the hot tub without clothes. "I've driven past in the car and visitors have been sprawled out in the nude on the sofa. "They also climb in and out of the bath on the mezzanine floor." The great-grandmother added: 'There's the noise when they are having fun and games in the hot tub, having a drink and playing loud music. "It's making my life a misery at times." The elusive lodge can be reached only by a narrow road and is advertised as a 'haven of tranquillity' in the Welsh countryside. Neighbours say they've had visitors knocking on their door at 1am, trying to find it. Michael Sharp, 72, said people "behave really badly" and that it's the luxury hot tub that seems to "provoke bad behaviour". He said: 'We can hear the noise inside the house, even with the doors closed. "People are coming for a good time. We have had drones flying above our property. "Some people are completely selfish and not community-minded.' Mr Sharp told NorthWalesLive: "It just looks like some huge ocean liner all lit up in the night floating in the middle of the countryside. It's an alien structure, it bears no resemblance to the original barn. "We would just like the thing knocked down." A Gwynedd council spokesperson said: 'No appeal has been registered in relation to the planning application or the enforcement notice for Plas Coch, Penisarwaun.' 11 Karl Jones claimed there had also been 'two troubling incidents' – involving mud thrown over a hedge Credit: WNS 11 The owner has had a back-dated planning bid thrown out Credit: WNS 11 One angry neighbour said: 'I've driven past in the car and visitors have been sprawled out in the nude on the sofa' Credit: WNS 11 Locals say the 18ft glass windows in the barn end make it look like an ocean liner Credit: WNS 11 The Grand-Designs style house's stunning interior Credit: WNS 11 The property was hit with a planning enforcement notice in April Credit: WNS
