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Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Our village is under threat from ‘Rave King's' plan to save his £2.5m mansion – we don't want celebs partying next door
The music promoter wants to build homes to restore his Dorset mansion PARTY PAD Our village is under threat from 'Rave King's' plan to save his £2.5m mansion – we don't want celebs partying next door Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MUSIC promoter is planning to build 85 homes to save his £2.5m mansion leaving local residents furious. Music promoter, James Perkins, is renovating his 16th-century home dubbed the "Buckingham Palace of Dorset" after it was destroyed by a fire eight years ago. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Music promoter, James Perkins, is planning to build homes to restore his £2.5 million Dorset mansion Credit: BNPS 2 Perkins has dubbed the stately home the 'Buckingham Palace of Dorset' Credit: Rex Perkins bought the Grade-1 listed Parnham House for £2.5 million in 2020. Scaffolding bills have soared to £1.7 million, the snooker room roof is falling in and the walls are crumbling. To fund the renovations, Perkins intends to construct 85 homes on 25 acres of the estate's fields subject to planning approval from Dorset Council. If successful, the mansion could host weddings, parties and overnight guests in sixty bedrooms. But residents, who were already furious with the council granting the venue a 24-hour alcohol license, have formed a group against the application. They told The Times that it would "destroy" local wildlife and the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and remove centuries-old footpaths. Locals also say that the site plan drawn up four years ago, which originally proposed 20 homes, has ballooned into proposals for dozens of dwellings across the green space. One resident also added that Perkins stood to benefit from a large capital increase on his private property while the council and villagers lost out. The previous alcohol license application faced so much backlash that the council meeting was forced to run for two days with the local Conservative MP saying it was not appropriate for the estate. But Perkins hopes he will be granted permission to build under "enabled development" laws. Our pretty town has become a ghetto plagued by machete-wielding yobs This means permission will be granted if the project generates funds that outweigh the harm caused by the development. He is confident that he has brought Historic England onside with the plans which initially stated it would not support the application but they are now due to advise the council committee. The application alone has cost approximately £1.5 million to submit. Celebrities such as Noel Gallagher, Kate Moss, Madonna and Bono have all attended lavish gatherings at Perkins' former property, Aynhoe Park. The wild parties at the stately home on the Northamptonshire-Oxfordshire border cemented Perkins reputation as the "rave king". Perkins was just 15 when he began staging home parties in his home town of Cheltenham. He went on to establish the rave music promoter Fantazia and in 1992, aged 22, he attracted nearly 30,000 people to a rave in Castle Donington. Parts of Parnham House date back to the mid-1500s when it was owned by the Strode family who lived at the property for more than 200 years. Over the centuries it has been used as a private home, nursing home, country club and woodwork school. During the Second World War, it was used by the US army as the headquarters for General Patton before the D-Day landings. A spokesman for Parnham House said: 'Through intensive planning and design work involving many consultants, including extensive talks with Dorset council, Historic England, and their subsidiaries, it was acknowledged that Enabling Development is the only solution to save this nationally important Grade 1-listed treasure. 'The enabling development application will raise the equity needed to save and restore the building to the minimum required factor and once again make Parnham something our neighbours and Dorset can be proud of.' The spokesman added that the plans would "increase the biodiversity of the estate" as well as restore nature highways along the River Brit and reopen the original drive and entrance. Both Perkins and Dorset Council have been approached for comment.
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Bibby Stockholm asylum seeker's chilling words before sexually assaulting teenage girl
AN ASYLUM seeker on the Bibby Stockholm sexually assaulted a teen girl after saying "I've never been this close to a white woman". Moffat Konofilia, who travelled 10,000 miles from the Solomon Islands, tried to kiss the terrified 17-year-old as she sat on Weymouth seafront in Dorset. Advertisement 2 The migrant told the girl he was on holiday, when he was housed on the Bibby Stockholm barge moored at nearby Portland Credit: BNPS The ex-footballer, 48, told her he was on holiday - but in fact he lived on the controversial migrant The girl said Konofilia commented on the colour of her skin and said he had 'never been this close to a white woman' which made her feel uncomfortable. She began secretly recording their conversation and was heard saying 'no, no' as Konofilia tried to kiss her on the mouth before apologising. The victim left to walk home and Konofilia tried to follow her but she managed to lose him down an alleyway. Advertisement READ MORE UK NEWS After the next day. The migrant, who had played for Solomon Islands national team, said he had taken the bus into the Dorset seaside town and bought beers to drink on the beach 'as he often did'. When interviewed by police he said the girl told him she was 18 and that he wanted to help her. He claimed he had not kissed her but had put an arm around her to comfort her and she had pulled away. Advertisement Most read in The Sun He denied kissing her or following her when she left. Konofilia was found guilty of one count of sexual assault by magistrates in Poole. Shock moment cops DRIVE INTO protester while under siege from yobs as chaos erupts over small boat migrant 'sex assault' Sentencing was adjourned for reports and he was released on bail. He now lives at Quadrant Hall in Coventry, a former university halls that was converted to house 100 asylum seekers. Advertisement Although he speaks English, he said his first language is Pijin, a common language in the Solomon Islands. At a previous court hearing he said he had two interviews for his asylum claim which depended on the outcome of this case. The Solomon Islands are the seventh furthest country from the UK and there are currently no specific visas for Solomon Islanders to enter the UK to seek asylum. Australia , New Zealand and Papua New Guinea are the primary destinations for asylum seekers from the Solomon Islands. Advertisement 2 Moffat Konofilia, an asylum seeker who travelled 10,000 miles from the Solomon Islands, tried to kiss a terrified 17-year-old girl on Weymouth seafront Credit: BNPS
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Bibby Stockholm asylum seeker's chilling words before sexually assaulting teenage girl
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN ASYLUM seeker on the Bibby Stockholm sexually assaulted a teen girl after saying "I've never been this close to a white woman". Moffat Konofilia, who travelled 10,000 miles from the Solomon Islands, tried to kiss the terrified 17-year-old as she sat on Weymouth seafront in Dorset. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 The migrant told the girl he was on holiday, when he was housed on the Bibby Stockholm barge moored at nearby Portland Credit: BNPS The ex-footballer, 48, told her he was on holiday - but in fact he lived on the controversial migrant barge moored at nearby Portland. The girl said Konofilia commented on the colour of her skin and said he had 'never been this close to a white woman' which made her feel uncomfortable. She began secretly recording their conversation and was heard saying 'no, no' as Konofilia tried to kiss her on the mouth before apologising. The victim left to walk home and Konofilia tried to follow her but she managed to lose him down an alleyway. After the sexual assault the girl called a friend crying and asked them to meet her. She reported the incident to police the next day. The migrant, who had played for Solomon Islands national team, said he had taken the bus into the Dorset seaside town and bought beers to drink on the beach 'as he often did'. When interviewed by police he said the girl told him she was 18 and that he wanted to help her. He claimed he had not kissed her but had put an arm around her to comfort her and she had pulled away. He denied kissing her or following her when she left. Konofilia was found guilty of one count of sexual assault by magistrates in Poole. Shock moment cops DRIVE INTO protester while under siege from yobs as chaos erupts over small boat migrant 'sex assault' Sentencing was adjourned for reports and he was released on bail. He now lives at Quadrant Hall in Coventry, a former university halls that was converted to house 100 asylum seekers. Although he speaks English, he said his first language is Pijin, a common language in the Solomon Islands. At a previous court hearing he said he had two interviews for his asylum claim which depended on the outcome of this case. The Solomon Islands are the seventh furthest country from the UK and there are currently no specific visas for Solomon Islanders to enter the UK to seek asylum. Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea are the primary destinations for asylum seekers from the Solomon Islands.
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Huge blow for over 500,000 Brits being slapped with HIGHER parking fines in new trial to tackle summer ‘chaos'
BRITS living in a seaside town will be at risk of huge parking fines this summer. Bournemouth MPs have promised to take action against cars parked illegally following growing frustration from residents. 1 Parking in Bournemouth has been causing a huge issue for locals for years Credit: BNPS The one-month trial will run throughout August and will target motors parked on pavements, roundabouts, and driveways. Under the scheme, parking The town has a population of around 500,000, of whom the fines will affect. Tom Hayes, MP for read more on parking "Higher fines will help to tackle the chaos we face every summer.' Jessica Toale, MP for Bournemouth West, added: 'I've been working with the government to give BCP Council greater powers to tackle the ongoing problems of illegal parking across Bournemouth – especially in the town centre and near the 'I know it's been an issue for many residents, and while it's been good to see the council taking action against selfish and irresponsible parking, the fines were minimal. 'That changes now. Transport Minister Heidi Alexander, who I recently met with in Branksome and raised this issue with, has today given BCP Council permission to trial increased Parking Charge Notices (PCNs) this summer.' Most read in Motors Mr Hayes added: 'The parking fine fee has been capped for 20 years and it's frustrating for everyone. "After years of being forgotten in Parliament, the government is listening. Driver gets instant karma after lobbing £50 parking ticket on the floor 'I've fought our town's corner behind-the-scenes and persuaded the government to ease the pressure on our roads this summer.' Leader of the BCP Council, Cllr Millie Earl, said that she welcomes the battle against 'irresponsible' parking. She said that the council has been pushing for this scheme for over six years. Cllr Earl said: 'Even at our busiest last weekend, there were enough parking spaces within a short walk of the seafront across our three towns and when visitors make a choice to park illegally, we know that residents, and responsible visitors, want us to take robust enforcement action. 'During our three busiest weekends of the year we have issued more than 4,000 penalty charge notices to drivers who disregard parking restrictions for the sake of a shorter stroll to the beach. 'We want to encourage and support visitors to our wonderful area but just ask them to consider the safety of others when parking; and a level of fines that reflects the true costs of patrolling and enforcing will help us to do this." This is an issue that plagues holiday hotspots across the UK across the summer months as city-dwellers head to the beach for a much-needed break. One of the most common complaints from residents in coastal towns is visitors parking across driveways, on double yellow lines, and in resident-only zones without permits. In places like Cornwall, Dorset, and parts of North Wales, local councils have reported a sharp rise in complaints and fines issued during the summer holiday period. In some towns, emergency vehicles have even struggled to get through narrow streets due to cars parked on corners and pavements. For residents, the inconvenience is more than just a nuisance—it can mean being blocked in for hours or denied access to their own homes. Many councils have stepped up enforcement in recent years, with increased patrols and mobile ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) units. However, overstretched resources and a lack of available parking alternatives mean that the problem persists. Everything you need to know about parking Can I get Do I have to pay a Can I be fined if your Is How do I Can you How can I Can I reserve the How close Is Can I park on a single yellow line? Can I be fined for Can I use Who is allowed to Where can I Can I be fined if the How close can I Am I allowed to
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Huge blow for over 500,000 Brits being slapped with HIGHER parking fines in new trial to tackle summer ‘chaos'
The town's councillors have been lobbying for the penalties for six years TAKEN FOR A RIDE Huge blow for over 500,000 Brits being slapped with HIGHER parking fines in new trial to tackle summer 'chaos' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BRITS living in a seaside town will be at risk of huge parking fines this summer. Bournemouth MPs have promised to take action against cars parked illegally following growing frustration from residents. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Parking in Bournemouth has been causing a huge issue for locals for years Credit: BNPS The one-month trial will run throughout August and will target motors parked on pavements, roundabouts, and driveways. Under the scheme, parking fines will be drastically increased, and the prices for clamping, towing and vehicle storage will soar to London rates. The town has a population of around 500,000, of whom the fines will affect. Tom Hayes, MP for Bournemouth East, said: 'This is something I've fought for and only Bournemouth is getting a shot at a trial. "Higher fines will help to tackle the chaos we face every summer.' Jessica Toale, MP for Bournemouth West, added: 'I've been working with the government to give BCP Council greater powers to tackle the ongoing problems of illegal parking across Bournemouth – especially in the town centre and near the beaches. 'I know it's been an issue for many residents, and while it's been good to see the council taking action against selfish and irresponsible parking, the fines were minimal. 'That changes now. Transport Minister Heidi Alexander, who I recently met with in Branksome and raised this issue with, has today given BCP Council permission to trial increased Parking Charge Notices (PCNs) this summer.' Mr Hayes added: 'The parking fine fee has been capped for 20 years and it's frustrating for everyone. "After years of being forgotten in Parliament, the government is listening. Driver gets instant karma after lobbing £50 parking ticket on the floor 'I've fought our town's corner behind-the-scenes and persuaded the government to ease the pressure on our roads this summer.' Leader of the BCP Council, Cllr Millie Earl, said that she welcomes the battle against 'irresponsible' parking. She said that the council has been pushing for this scheme for over six years. Cllr Earl said: 'Even at our busiest last weekend, there were enough parking spaces within a short walk of the seafront across our three towns and when visitors make a choice to park illegally, we know that residents, and responsible visitors, want us to take robust enforcement action. 'During our three busiest weekends of the year we have issued more than 4,000 penalty charge notices to drivers who disregard parking restrictions for the sake of a shorter stroll to the beach. 'We want to encourage and support visitors to our wonderful area but just ask them to consider the safety of others when parking; and a level of fines that reflects the true costs of patrolling and enforcing will help us to do this." This is an issue that plagues holiday hotspots across the UK across the summer months as city-dwellers head to the beach for a much-needed break. One of the most common complaints from residents in coastal towns is visitors parking across driveways, on double yellow lines, and in resident-only zones without permits. In places like Cornwall, Dorset, and parts of North Wales, local councils have reported a sharp rise in complaints and fines issued during the summer holiday period. In some towns, emergency vehicles have even struggled to get through narrow streets due to cars parked on corners and pavements. For residents, the inconvenience is more than just a nuisance—it can mean being blocked in for hours or denied access to their own homes. Many councils have stepped up enforcement in recent years, with increased patrols and mobile ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) units. However, overstretched resources and a lack of available parking alternatives mean that the problem persists.
