…By Alan Peterson for TDPel Media.
Hannah Ingram-Moore, the daughter of NHS fundraising hero Captain Tom Moore, has been instructed to demolish an unauthorized building on her property in Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire.
The proposed construction of a spa and pool at her residence was denied by local planners.
Deviation from Approved Plans
In 2021, Hannah Ingram-Moore and her husband Colin sought permission to construct a Captain Tom Foundation Building within the premises of their home.
Initially, an L-shaped structure was approved, described as being partly dedicated to the charitable objectives of The Captain Tom Foundation.
However, the actual building erected deviated from the approved plans, taking the form of a larger C-shaped structure that included a spa pool.
As a result, planners have ordered its demolition after refusal of retrospective permission for the altered design.
Limited Visibility and Enforcement Notice
A resident in the vicinity mentioned that the building was still under construction during the previous summer and had an L or C shape.
Due to its low profile, the structure was not easily visible beyond the property grounds.
Central Bedfordshire Council, which recently lost control to no overall political majority, confirmed the issuance of an enforcement notice mandating the building’s removal.
The case is currently under appeal with the Planning Inspectorate.
Impact on The Captain Tom Foundation
As a consequence of the planning authorities’ directive to demolish the unauthorized building, The Captain Tom Foundation has suspended its acceptance of donations.
The charity’s spokesperson clarified that their primary focus is cooperating with the ongoing Statutory Inquiry by the Charity Commission.
The closure of payment channels aims to align with this inquiry, and decisions regarding future operations will be made following the findings of the inquiry.
Planning Application and Retrospective Refusal
According to Central Bedfordshire Council, in August 2021, a planning application was submitted for the erection of a detached single-storey building on the Ingram-Moore property.
The application was approved.
However, in 2022, a retrospective planning application was received for revised proposals concerning the building.
This subsequent application was rejected, leading to the enforcement notice for demolition.
Conclusion:
The daughter of Captain Tom Moore, Hannah Ingram-Moore, faces the requirement to demolish an unauthorized building that deviated from approved plans for a spa and pool complex.
The repercussions extend to The Captain Tom Foundation, which has ceased accepting donations.
The case is currently undergoing an appeal process, and the future actions of the charity will be determined following the Statutory Inquiry by the Charity Commission.