London fund manager loses Burnham Market second-home bid

Naomi Clarke, a former JP-Morgan financier, had sought to knock down the semi-detached property in Burnham Market and rebuild a significantly larger four-bedroom home in its place. 

Nothing but a nine-inch, single-skin wall separates the dwelling from the attached home of David Wells 92, and his wife Ivy, 87 - who have lived in the same spot for six decades.

Their opposition to the application had gathered widescale support in the village, often dubbed 'Chelsea-on-Sea' thanks to the number of well-heeled incomers.

Ivy Wells, 87, and her husband David, 92, had been backed by hundreds of locals over the demolition plans (Image: Owen Sennitt)

The two houses in Burnham Market. The home on the left could be knocked down as part of the plans (Image: Owen Sennitt)

A screenshot of Naomi Clark appearing in a promotional video for USS Investment Management Limited, (Image: USS Investment Management)

Resistance included nearly 450 objections on West Norfolk’s planning portal and backing from Marcus Pearcey, a leading businessman and rumoured mayoral candidate.

Despite officers recommending approval, the council's planning committee refused the bid on human rights grounds - a material planning element - ruling at a meeting that the proposal would result in a “significant and disproportionate interference” to the couple. 

The meeting began with a plea from their granddaughter Amy Nelligan, who warned members that the demolition could lead to “sleep loss, anxiety and the impact of existing medical conditions" .

A drawing of the proposals (Image: Thomas Faire Architects/West Norfolk Council)

“Demolition will cause prolonged noise, vibration dust and structural disturbance in the living space of two extremely elderly and vulnerable residents,” she said.

Her fears were echoed by many, including Burnham Market ward councillor Sam Sandell.

She spoke up for the couple: “They are not second-home owners or investors, this is their only home and has been the centre of their family and community life for decades.

Burnham Market has become a battleground over second homes and holiday lets (Image: Chris Bishop)

She added: “Burnham Market already experiences intense pressure from second homes and high-end holiday properties, and there is a growing concern for local people.

“I’m at a complete loss why someone would buy a semi-detached unstable house and want to knock it down, especially when the disruption is immediately through a shared party wall of only nine inches thick. There are so many properties for sale in the area.”

The applicant, Ms Clarke, who currently works as head of investment product management at USS, an investment company, had insisted that structural deficiencies in the 1930s property required its demolition. 

Prior to the decision, an architect speaking on behalf of Ms Clarke said the application was “policy compliant, technically supported, professionally justified and fully conditioned”.

He added that they would “have no choice but to appeal” if the bid was thrown out, and that “council tax payers would bear the financial consequences”.

However, these warnings went down poorly with many of the more established members of the committee. 

Vivienne Spikings Picture: Matthew Usher. (Image: © Archant Norfolk 2014)

Cllr Vivienne Spikings, who led the motion of refusal, said: “We don't need to be told, 'if we don't get it we will take you to court,' we've been here long enough and we don’t appreciate threats, it’s a bit silly.”

The councillors voted almost unanimously to refuse the application, with only one councillor abstaining, and many spoke out in support of the couple - who have lived in their home on Walkers Close for 60 years. 

Councillor Martin Storey said: “I feel the local people, the parish council, the ward member, they haven't all got it wrong surely, I can't agree with this. 

Martin Storey, a West Norfolk councillor for Feltwell (Image: West Norfolk Council)

“I’m not prepared to put my name to something I don't think is right.”

Other issues raised throughout the meeting, which lasted nearly two hours, included the “over dominant” design and the risk of structural collapse during the demolition.

The wait is now on to see what route Ms Clarke will take next.

She may choose to appeal the decision, but may also choose to consult locals and submit a new plan, which could allow her to renovate without the need for demolition.