Heart-breaking reason 'big plans' for Tunstall hair salon and flat abandoned
A mother and daughter's big plans for an 'unusual' Stoke-on-Trent terrace were abandoned in today's episode of Homes Under the Hammer. Chris and Donna-Marie - both 'big fans' of the hit daytime BBC show - snapped up the Tunstall property at auction for £48,000 - eight grand above the guide price.
Presenter Jacqui Joseph had taken 'a shine' to the former mechanic's workshop and upstairs flat, split over two floorsy. Chris, a property developer for 30 years who has appeared on the show three times, and daughter Donna-Marie, who has taken part in five episodes, told Jacqui of their intention to create a salon downstairs with a maisonette flat above.
There were significant issues with the property, including major work being required to bring the top floor in line with building regulations, but there was 'bonus' planning permission in place to convert the whole property into a three-bed terrace house over three floors.
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However, despite the planning permission being in place, Chris remained adamant that the property would be split between commercial and residential use. Donna-Marie said: “My mum would like it to be a joint residential and commercial offering, with commercial downstairs and residential upstairs.
"Ideally with the same person living and working here." But, when the BBC cameras returned six months later, nothing had changed.
It soon became clear that both options were not as lucrative as Chris had hoped after they had consulted with architects. Chris' deteriorating health had then led to the pair abandoning their plans.
"I had big plans," said Chris. "I was either going to put in a hairdressers or a nail salon, get the flat upstairs sorted out so it was a mixed business, and everything was going to be lovely and hunky dory. But actually, I am too incapable to do things myself now. I can’t take the stress, nor am I physically capable of doing things.
"My health is deteriorating all the time. I have arthritis in my spine, my leg, my shoulders, my hands, and everything. I sometimes can’t think of the names of things or I get times wrong, and of course, you can’t run a business when you’re all over the place."
The pair decided to put the house back on the market. And, despite not doing anything to the property, received an offer of £57,000 within a few days. That represented a £9,000 profit for the duo.
Chris said: "I'm disappointed because this means it's the end of my property empire. I'm now hoping to go travelling the country with my new partner while I still can get about a bit."
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