The unauthorized complex, located at the residence of Captain Sir Tom Moore’s daughter, was torn down and a crane was used to remove the spa pool. The tub was lifted through the open top of the building after workers had already removed the roof earlier in the week.
53-year-old Hannah Ingram-Moore and her husband, 66-year-old Colin, were unsuccessful in their attempt to challenge a ruling to demolish the Captain Tom Foundation structure on their land following a court hearing in October.
On Tuesday, workers known as scaffolders arrived at the Marston Moretaine property in Bedfordshire. The next day, a part of the roof was taken off.
In November, Insp Diane Fleming made the decision that the spa block must be torn down within three months, specifically by February 7th. Central Bedfordshire council stated that they will reassess the situation on February 8th.
In 2021, the family received approval to construct an L-shaped building. However, they ultimately opted to build a bigger C-shaped one, costing £200,000 and including a spa pool instead.
In 2022, the individuals applied for a review of the unfinished building, but the authorities denied it. In 2023, they received a notice to demolish the structure, which was not approved.
In October, during a hearing, James Paynter, a chartered surveyor representing the appellants, mentioned that the spa pool had the potential to provide rehabilitation sessions for senior citizens residing in the vicinity.
However, Fleming determined that the size and overall structure of the building had caused damage to the Old Rectory, which is listed as a Grade II historic site and serves as the family’s residence.
In April 2020, during the first lockdown in the UK due to the coronavirus, Moore walked 100 laps in his garden before his 100th birthday and raised £38.9m for NHS Charities Together. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in the summer of that year and passed away in February 2021 after contracting Covid.
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The Charity Commission is investigating the foundation due to worries about its leadership and potential ties to Moore’s relatives. The investigation began shortly after Moore’s passing and was officially launched in June 2022.
At the appeal hearing, Scott Stemp, on behalf of Ingram-Moore and her husband, stated that the foundation would be shut down after an inquiry by the Charity Commission.
Source: theguardian.com
