Bantham Estate in Devon, previously owned by David Cameron's friend Nicholas Johnston, has been sold to a Buckinghamshire-based family after facing backlash for plans to develop it into a luxury haven. Locals successfully campaigned against Johnston's proposals for a beach club, new homes, and underground car park, fearing it would attract wealthy second homeowners and disrupt the character of the village.
A village in Devon , England, has been sold after its former owner, Nicholas Johnston , faced backlash from locals over plans to develop it into a 'millionaire's playground.' Johnston, a friend of former Prime Minister David Cameron , purchased the Bantham Estate in 2014, which includes 21 homes, a golf course, and a vineyard. His initial vision sparked anger when he unveiled plans for a beach club, new homes, and an underground car park.
Thousands of residents joined the Save Bantham action group, successfully rallying to vote for a second homes ban on all newly built properties. The estate, spanning 728 acres, was put on the market for £30 million in September. It has now been bought by a Buckinghamshire-based company, Chilton Home Farms, owned by the Aubrey-Fletcher family. This family, known for generations of farming in Buckinghamshire, have long visited Bantham and expressed their eagerness to preserve this special part of the South Hams. When Johnston acquired the estate, he stated his intention to undertake 'some sensitive property development.' However, his plans for 27 new homes, including large open market houses, self-catering apartments, and rented houses, along with a subterranean beach club, boat restoration yard, and underground car park, raised concerns among locals. They feared a transformation into a 'Soho House-on-Sea,' echoing Johnston's previous sale of land on his Oxfordshire estate to the Soho House private members' club group. Save Bantham, the group opposing developments, gained over 12,000 followers, emphasizing the importance of preserving unspoilt coastal areas. They criticized Johnston's plans, citing the impact on the local environment and the influx of second homeowners, contrasting with the community's need for affordable housing. Johnston defended his proposals, claiming they were a response to a request from South Hams District Council. He denied any connection with Soho House, asserting that he no longer owned the brand. He maintained his commitment to creating a diverse community and addressing the housing needs of residents. Despite this, the estate faced numerous planning application objections. Last year, they unsuccessfully appealed against the council's rejection of their application to build a new beach shower and toilet block, a replacement sewage treatment plant, a car park, and an ANPR system. Further opposition arose from locals regarding plans to convert a listed boathouse into a holiday let. Previous attempts to convert it into a restaurant and a holiday let were met with disapproval, while a recent application for wine storage and packing was approved. The sale to Chilton Home Farms brings a new chapter to the Bantham Estate, leaving its future development and impact on the local community to be seen
Bantham Estate Devon Property Development Second Homes Ban Local Outcry Nicholas Johnston David Cameron Save Bantham Chilton Home Farms Aubrey-Fletcher Family
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