Blakeney, Norfolk, UK — A couple who won a £6 million mansion in a charity raffle can finally take possession of their dream home after a planning dispute was resolved by North Norfolk District Council. The settlement comes after months of deliberation over unauthorized features at the property.
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The Prize Mansion: A Charity Raffle Winner
The luxury estate, Larkfields, was the centerpiece of an Omaze and Comic Relief raffle, which raised over £4 million for charity earlier this year. The winning couple, including former Miss Wales finalist Vicky Curtis-Creswell, had been eagerly awaiting the transfer of the mansion while the council reviewed planning concerns.
Curtis-Creswell expressed her excitement, describing the win as “pure joy”, and revealed plans to eventually sell the mansion and return to Wales to purchase a new home.
Planning Dispute Details
The main issue involved several unauthorized features, including:
- Swimming pool
- Tennis court
- Garage
- Summer house
The parish council, represented by Rosemary Thew, opposed the retrospective planning application, citing breaches of local planning policies and concerns over the size of the new structures. Despite these objections, the committee voted 10–2 in favor of approving the application, allowing the mansion to be handed over to the winners.
Public and Social Media Reactions
The case drew widespread attention online. Many praised the transparency of the raffle and the charitable contributions it raised, while others expressed concern over planning violations. Curtis-Creswell’s excitement and public support highlighted the positive impact of the raffle.
Next Steps
Omaze, the raffle organizer, confirmed that they are working with the council and the winners to finalize the mansion transfer. The couple has already received a £250,000 cash prize, and the remaining process will secure ownership of the estate.
A spokesperson for Omaze said,
“Omaze has worked closely with North Norfolk District Council throughout this process to reach this positive conclusion.”
With the planning dispute resolved, Curtis-Creswell and her family can now move forward with their plans for the mansion.
Conclusion
The resolution of the planning dispute clears the way for the raffle winners to enjoy their £6 million prize while highlighting the importance of proper planning consent for luxury properties. This case also underscores the success of charitable raffles in raising funds for causes like Comic Relief.