Behind the proposal is the neighbouring Parnham Estate. Parnham House, a Tudor mansion with later Nash improvements, was devastated by fire in 2017, leaving much of it a hollow ruin. Its new owner – James Perkins – seeks “exceptional” planning permission for a housing estate as an “enabling development” to fund restoration.
Yet doubts abound. Historic England has criticised the lack of detailed plans and delays. The Times reported the owner admitting he “never bothered about budgets.” Costs have spiralled from £20m in 2020 to an estimated £60-70m. Residents fear that community sacrifice – destruction of meadow, bridleway and protected parkland – would serve only private interests.