The family of the late Captain Sir Tom Moore have attended a hearing to appeal against a demolition order for a spa built in their garden. The building was originally approved for the use of the occupiers and the Captain Tom Foundation. However, revised plans were submitted in February 2022, which included a spa pool, toilets, and a kitchen for private use. The revised plans were turned down by the council in November 2022.
Hannah Ingram-Moore and her husband are appealing against the demolition order. They used the Captain Tom Foundation charity’s name on the first plans for the building. Ms. Ingram-Moore, her husband, and their son Benji sat together behind their four representatives during the hearing. Inspector Diane Fleming, appointed by the Secretary of State, heard the appeal.
The family argues that the structure is “no more overbearing than the consented scheme.” Chartered surveyor James Paynter, for the family, said the scheme had “evolved” to include the spa pool. Richard Proctor, planning enforcement team leader for Central Bedfordshire Council, said the original building that was approved was because of public good outweighing harm.
The Inspector indicated she would make a site visit, accompanied by representatives for the appellants and for the council. A written decision is expected to be published at a later date, within six weeks of the one-day hearing. Captain Sir Tom Moore raised £38m for National Health Service charities by walking laps around his Bedfordshire garden during the first Covid-19 pandemic lockdown. He died in 2021, aged 100, and his family set up a separate charity in his name. It is currently subject to an inquiry by the Charity Commission amid concerns his family may have profited from using his name
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