A legal dispute is unfolding over a £4 million property in Sandbanks, Poole, as the homeowner, retired accountant Neil Kennedy, seeks to secure planning approval following a High Court ruling that declared parts of his house unlawful. The controversy centers on an extension, particularly a balcony, which overlooks neighboring properties and has sparked objections from prominent residents.

The conflict began after builders working on Kennedy’s three-storey home, which features an indoor swimming pool and gym, deviated from the original approved plans. One contested alteration was a balcony extension that projected over the garden of a neighbor. Garth Weston, managing director of the crispbread manufacturer Ryvita and a neighbor, challenged the council’s issuance of retrospective planning permission granted in early 2024, arguing that the modifications—including enlarging the balcony and adding windows—violated planning rules and infringed on privacy. Among those affected is Celia Sawyer, an interior designer known for her television appearances and high-profile clientele, whose home is overlooked by the disputed balcony. She expressed concerns about privacy, noting the balcony’s intrusive position during moments of personal use of her garden.

Weston also highlighted additional issues, such as a window facing directly into his bedroom and the installation of a noisy air conditioning unit on the roof, which he contended exacerbated the impact of the unauthorized changes.

The High Court ruled in favor of Weston in 2024, finding that the local planning officer had not conducted a site visit before recommending approval, resulting in a “material misunderstanding” of how the alterations affected neighboring properties. Judge Andrew Keyser quashed the planning consent and ordered the council to cover Weston’s legal expenses totaling nearly £15,000.

Since the ruling, no enforcement action has been undertaken to modify or remove the unauthorized structures, and Kennedy has now submitted a fresh planning application. This new proposal aims to replace the existing dwelling, despite the house already being built. According to Martin Hanham, Kennedy’s planning consultant, the minor deviations from the initial plans were made during construction by subcontractors, and Kennedy was not fully aware that further planning permission might have been required. Hanham stated that recent inspections by the local council had found no planning concerns with the changes, expressing hope for forthcoming approval.

However, community opposition remains strong. The Sandbanks Neighbourhood Forum, a local residents’ group, has objected to the latest application, citing continued issues with overlooking, noise, and negative impact on neighbors’ privacy.

All parties directly involved in the new planning application have declined to comment publicly. Meanwhile, the situation highlights ongoing tensions in Sandbanks, an area known for its high property values and affluent residents, over balancing development and neighborhood rights.