Millionaire from Malaysia Faces Setback in Bid for World's Most Expensive Bungalow

A Sandbanks multi-millionaire who spent £13million on the 'world's most expensive bungalow has been dealt a new blow after it was recommended that his right to build the home is refused.

In March 2023, Tom Glanfield, aged 46, acquired a dilapidated bungalow located in an upscale neighborhood in Dorset known as 'Millionaire's Row'.

However, since then, he has engaged in a two-year battle to tear down the cottage and substitute it with an environmentally-friendly home.

However, even though locals have submitted 28 letters endorsing the proposals, council members are now advised to reject them based on conservation concerns.

Babatunde Aregbesola, who serves as planning officer, will inform council members from Bournemouth and Poole Council on Thursday about his findings. He states, "Due to the proposed demolition of the current cottage, this plan could lead to substantial damage to the Sandbags Conservation Area because it involves completely removing an element not designated under official heritage protections."

As such, replacing a beneficial structure in the Sandbags CA with a single home of an unsympathetic design does not count as a heritage or community advantage that would surpass the damage to the area’s significance.

The matter was referred to the committee due to the high amount of public support.

Mr Glanfield, who previously had another application rejected, aims to construct a new structure—a two-story standalone house featuring a basement designed in modern style with a green roof.

Approval is likewise being requested to upgrade the seawall.

Even with the public backing, a conservation officer voiced concerns in writing that it would lead to the 'total disappearance of the historic structure,' which could 'damage' the Sandbanks conservation zone.

This was considered 'unjustified as there were alternate choices with retaining the cottage that could have been examined,' they included.

'The loss of a positively contributing structure within the Sandbags Conservation Area to a single residence with an unsuitable design does not qualify as a heritage asset or public advantage that would surpass the damage to the area’s significance,' said the conservation officer.

Letters of support described the design as 'sympathetic' to the location and the environment and would bring a 'clear enhancement.'

Others said the 'modern sleek appearance' was 'entirely in keeping with houses in the surrounding area and is totally suitable for the conservation area.

The reconstruction of the seawall was applauded for offering a far more appealing coastal defense compared to the present unsightly and deteriorating wall.

Supporting him was his neighbor, Ros Smart, who described the plans as having an 'exceptionally innovative design for a prominent location.'

She stated: "The contemporary streamlined design harmonizes perfectly with the homes in the nearby vicinity and is completely appropriate for the preservation zone."

Tom, the recruitment magnate residing in Poole, Dorset, is a self-made millionaire who has expressed his steadfast determination to alter the perspectives of local planning officials.

He stated: "A significant amount of time has been dedicated to crafting a custom-designed property that merges a contemporary family residence with an appreciation for the stunning environment within the conservation area."

This is my individual concept, and with the help of two local architects who joined forces, we've strived to develop a high-quality, enduring design for tomorrow.

The storyline requires significant funding, and it appears that the BCP Council overlooked that this proposal presented an excellent chance for considerable environmental and aesthetic enhancements not just to the residence but also to the site’s seawall boundary.

The current deteriorating metal and concrete seawall around Poole Harbour is not only unsafe but also aesthetically unpleasing.

'The application featured a design crafted by the acclaimed landscape architect Andy Sturgeon. This plan aimed to eliminate the current seawall and concrete boundary at Poole Harbour, substituting them with an inconspicuous seawall camouflaged through indigenous vegetation, sand dunes, and boulders.'

The objective is to rejuvenate the area surrounding the site when seen from the ocean, providing better biodiversity advantages by using indigenous plants and eliminating the extensive concrete paving present now.

'My family and I consider Poole to be our home and my consultants, and I will continue to pursue the sensitive and eco-friendly redevelopment of this very special site.'

Tom previously said he wanted to transform the run-down bungalow - which he says has a leaking roof, mould and mildew and a cracked concrete driveway.

He wants to replace the property with a sustainable family eco home, complete with renewable power and a desalination facility.

He stated: "My aspiration is to construct a family residence that will not just preserve the unpretentious charm of the land but also endure the passage of time."

The council’s meeting to determine the application will take place starting at 10 am tomorrow, Thursday.

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