The Capita founder and his wife are leading the objections of more than 30 of their neighbors in a “millionaire’s playground” in Surrey against plans to build two mansions by luxury developers.
Sir Rod Aldridge and Lady Carol Aldridge have called on the local council to refuse “unacceptable” plans for two five-bedroom houses.
They are joined by the chief executive of Goldman Sachs and a charity chief in opposing the plans, on an estate where homes are owned by sporting stars such as tennis ace Andy Murray and former captain by Crystal Palace Scott Dann.
The proposals would see the demolition of an existing house and swimming pool building on the leafy Oxshott Estate to make way for two new buildings, according to planning documents.
The two proposed homes would feature double garages, indoor gyms, lounges and libraries, plans submitted by Andrew Long of Iconic Architectural Design on behalf of the homeowners’ show.
Capita founder Sir Rod Aldridge and his wife are leading more than 30 of their neighbors in the ‘Millionaire’s Playground’ in Surrey against plans for two mansions by luxury Dundee developers. Pictured is the Aldridge house
Sir Rod Aldridge and Lady Carol Aldridge have called on the local council to refuse “unacceptable” plans for two five-bedroom houses.
The proposals would see the demolition of an existing house and swimming pool building on the leafy Oxshott Estate to make way for two new buildings, according to planning documents.
Sir Rod and Lady Carol have submitted a formal objection to the plans through development consultancy Alsop Verrill.
Their objection, submitted on March 15, reads: “The construction of two large detached houses on the land is inconsistent with the character and appearance of the estate.
“The excessive dimensions of the two proposed houses in relation to the resulting plot sizes will have a profoundly negative effect on the character and appearance of the area.
“We note that 32 objections to the proposed development have already been submitted to the local planning authority on broadly similar principles. There can be no good reason not to issue a notice of decision refusing the grant of planning permission.
Land registry documents show the land is owned by Hassan Maki Al Saffar and Juman Al Saffar, who purchased the property for £2,975,000 on September 14, 2018.
The Al Saffars are listed as directors of H & H Properties (UK) Ltd, a luxury waterfront property developer in Dundee.
Sir Rod and Lady Carol added in their objection: “It should be noted that Mr and Mrs Al Saffar do not live at (the address) but elsewhere in Oxshott. It would not be unreasonable to believe that because they… live elsewhere, they are speculative developers.
The Alridges also claimed that the Al Saffars had failed to implement a previous planning permission granted to them in November 2021 for a two-storey enclosed detached house with a garage.
Land registry documents show the land (pictured) is owned by Hassan Maki Al Saffar and Juman Al Saffar, who purchased the property for £2,975,000 on September 14, 2018.
The proposals would see the demolition of an existing house and a building with a garden pool to make way for two new buildings.
H&H Properties has been contacted for comment.
In its planning statement, Iconic Architectural Design said: “The proposed properties will be of high quality and the proposed accommodation will also provide adequate levels of amenity for future occupiers, without compromising the residential amenity of neighboring properties.
“Careful design considerations have been taken into account to ensure that the proposed development achieves a high quality design by retaining, respecting and responding positively to the character and appearance of the local area, as well as the amenities of neighboring properties.
“The design of the development has been carefully considered to ensure that the development is sustainable and that it preserves and enhances the natural environment, wildlife habitats and biodiversity, retaining existing plantings where possible, as well as incorporating new plantations.
This conflict rages in an Oxshott estate that is full of palatial homes and where residents often submit elaborate plans for building projects, which attract numerous complaints.
The plans are also being contested by Melissa Plaza-Marriott, chief executive of Goldman Sachs – who lives in a £4.7 million mansion with her husband, Clifton ‘Clif’ Marriott, Goldman’s co-head of Europe, responsible for technology, media and telecommunications investment bank. .
Pictured are planning documents revealing what the new properties could look like if built.
Ms. Plaza-Marriott wrote in an objection filed Feb. 23: “The negative environmental impact of the proposal on the area will be significant by reducing vegetation, mature trees and natural habitat for wildlife, birds and insects .
“Green spaces are essential to creating a peaceful, calm and healthy environment. Trees and hedges in the area must be protected and conserved.
When contacted by MailOnline about the plans, she declined to comment further.
Another neighbor who has objected is charity boss Patrick Riley, who has previously made headlines for being involved in a bitter battle with his neighbors over the Little Hill project.
Mr Riley, who was chairman and trustee of the Brenley Trust, was granted permission to build staff accommodation behind his Surrey mansion in November 2020 – but plans for a five-foot mound were abandoned after he claimed that he would neglect the privacy of his neighbors. pool.
In an objection to the latest plans, Mr Riley wrote on February 23 this year: “The proposal, because of its scale, mass, bulk, positioning and proximity to the boundaries of the plot , would have an unacceptable adverse impact on the amenity of neighboring properties due to a dominant impact.
The Aldridges themselves had already launched an unsuccessful attempt to challenge plans for what they called an “too big” six-bedroom house next door to them that they said would dwarf their own mansion.
In January 2021, local authorities approved plans for the two-storey building, which was also to include an outdoor swimming pool, ancillary accommodation and parking.
The Aldridges were granted permission to build an extended wing including an orangery in their own sprawling home in 2012, despite objections from the Birds Hill Oxshott Estate Company, a committee which considered all applications for the estate.
Sir Rodney, who was named in the Sunday Times Rich List last year with a worth of £135 million, founded Capita, which is now an international outsourcing company with lucrative training and recruitment contracts. armed forces.
He and Lady Carol now run the Aldridge Foundation, an educational charity which promotes academic schools in England and encourages entrepreneurship among young people.
Elmbridge Borough Council is currently considering Al Saffars’ application.
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