Planners refuse new boathouse at Bucks home lived in by Dragons’ Den star Peter Jones

Planning officers have refused to grant permission for a new boathouse on a Buckinghamshire estate that has previously been occupied by Dragons’ Den star Peter Jones.

Proposals for Fulmer Wood Farm on Fulmer Common Road, Fulmer, also included replacing the 10-year-old jetty on the existing private ‘Upton Lake’ at the sprawling 200-acre estate.

The new structures would have included a washroom, utility room, workshop and maintenance area and storeroom, according to the application submitted by applicant UCC UK.

Plans said: “This will allow for appropriate space for estate management equipment and supplies, boat repair and maintenance, as well as recreational and outdoor activities including swimming and sailing.”

READ MORE: Planners refuse permission for changes to Bucks pub

However, Buckinghamshire Council officers refused to grant permission for the plans, claiming that they were no ‘exceptional reasons’ to justify building in an ancient woodland site and that the plans would have introduced too much built form into the Green Belt.

They added: “The proposal would fail to provide a positive contribution to the character of the surrounding area and would rather be considered as incongruous.”

The jetty would have been located away from the main property but ‘considered a connected use’ to the house.

It would have been added to the ‘ornamental lake/reservoir’, which is part of a designated ancient woodland.

Plans stated: “The previous jetty has been in place for 10 years and has been enjoyed by the residents and occupiers of the property.

“Furthermore, given the type of facility the location is largely dictated by the natural environment, and other considerations.”

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