Omaze launch desperate bid to save luxury features of £6m home won for just £10 from demolition

Daily Mail​

2 days ago

Omaze is fighting to avoid having to demolish parts of a £6million home won for just £10 in a prize draw by submitting a retrospective planning application for areas that were built without approval.
The dream home was offered in a link-up with the BBC to raise funds for Comic Relief, with backing from stars including Davina McCall, Lenny Henry and Rylan Clark.
But discrepancies between the approved development and what had been built emerged before the sweepstake closed and plans to announce the winner live on the night were shelved.
The winner, former Miss Wales finalist Vicky Curtis-Cresswell, is yet to receive the keys while the legal wrangle rumbles on.
Omaze has now submitted the application, revealing the extent of the problems at stunning Larkside in Blakeney on the trendy north Norfolk coast – billed as its biggest ever prize draw.
The three-bedroom mansion is designed in the style of the exclusive homes found in The Hamptons area of Long Island.
The company has asked North Norfolk District Council if it can keep a single-storey extension to the eastern wing, a four-bay garage, summerhouse, tennis court with 'associated enclosure and landscaping' and outdoor swimming pool.
All of these could end up being razed to the ground if the local authority's planning officials and councillors refuse permission.
A council spokesman confirmed the retrospective application from Omaze was received on Tuesday.
He added: 'The application is currently in the process of being validated. Once validated, all the relevant documents will be available to view on the public portal.
'If valid upon receipt, it is expected to appear on the portal as early as next week but will be longer if there are further requirements.'
Local residents and other relevant local authorities will be able to comment formally once the plans are made available publicly.
They will then be voted on by the council's planning committee at a later date.
The council launched a probe in February – a month before Red Nose Day - after an eagle-eyed member of the public spotted potential issues with the property, which was built in 2020.
If retrospective planning permission was not granted for the areas under scrutiny, Omaze could appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.
Ms Curtis-Cresswell, 38, has revealed she plans to sell the mansion – although the planning breaches have delayed her plans and threaten to affect its value.
When she won, she was looking for a rental home while living with her husband Dale, 41, and young daughter at her in-laws' three-bedroom house in Wales.
Speaking at the time, the 2008 Miss Wales entrant said: 'It's crazy. One week, we're worrying about our old car breaking down, the next thing we've got a £6 million house.'
A £250,000 cash prize came with the 5,000 sq ft house, which has access to a secluded pontoon and has £165,000 worth of furnishings.
Letting agents estimates it could be rented out for £5,500 per month.
North Norfolk District Council concluded earlier this year that the property had 'not been completed in accordance with the approved plans' after an investigation which including a visit from officers.
Jamie Minors, managing director of local estate agents Minors and Brady, said then: 'This will massively affect the chance of sale, as some people will be put off and will not want to buy it. It could also affect the value.
'Selling it will definitely be more difficult and challenging, as solicitors will definitely advise against it.'
However, he added the high-end property market also attracted wealthy people who would 'try and find a way to resolve any problem'.
The kitchen at the imposing house, which was built in the style of architecture found in Cape Cod and the Hamptons, boasts integrated appliances, a US-style fridge and an island with seating for four people
Dining al fresco - but the views could change if features including the pool, tennis court and single-storey extension on the east wing have to be removed
Omaze, a for-profit company founded in the US, buys luxury properties for prize draws and gives at least 17 per cent of proceeds to charities. Larkfields raised more than £4.1 million for Comic Relief.
A spokesman said: 'Omaze continues to work with North Norfolk District Council in relation to recommendations made regarding the property in Norfolk - and has submitted 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.'