A MAN who lives on millionaires' row has blasted a whopping new "Alcatraz-style watchtower" which blocks his ocean view.
Clive Crossley, 91, has spent two years fighting the development of a new-build close to his home overlooking exclusive Sandbanks, Dorset.
The retired business consultant bought his own detached bungalow in cul de sac Meriden Close for £392,000 in 1999. It's now worth £1.5million.
When he first moved in, the only building standing between his home and the seafront was a single-storey chalet.
However, three years ago, the plot was sold for an astonishing £3.2m.
Builders immediately tore down an orchard and began building a three-storey mansion worth £4.5m.
Read more on UK news
Defiant Boris Johnson vows to ‘keep going’ as Sajid Javid blasts: ‘Enough’
Girlfriend slashed woman’s face ‘for flirting with boyfriend’ on night out
Eventually, four luxury homes – including the neo-classical mansion – will be built on the land.
However, Bayview Developments has recently halted the work to avoid legal action amid an ongoing council investigation into the construction site.
Clive told The Sun: “When we moved into the house 22 years ago, we had an uninterrupted view of the sea past the chalet and a lovely orchard.
"It was a lovely place to live with every building conforming to a certain style.
Most read in News
POOL DEATH Guests tried to save Brit who drowned on hol as ‘lifeguards were too far away’
Man who left wife for a Ukrainian refugee is now her CARER as she goes blind
Now Michael Gove begs Boris to quit as 32 MPs resign in bloodbath
Odds on next Prime Minister if Boris Johnson resigns
"Now they are just monstrosities."
Sandbanks offers some of the most sought-after real estate in the country. It covers just 3,832.3 acres in total, with 800 pricey homes squeezed onto the stretch.
Last September, Harry and Sandra Redknapp's seafront home sold for a record £10m.
However, even run-down properties can sell for eye-popping sums.
In 2020, a small plot of land sold for a £3.5m.
Clive said: “Before this, all that stood between us and the water was a single storey chalet.
RESIDENTS' FURY
"Now we wake up to a monstrosity of a three-storey mansion. It’s ruined our view – in fact, we don’t have a view, it has been obliterated."
He said he's fought "tooth and nail" to stop development on the land, but admitted: "I've now run out of legal options to have the buldings pulled down.
"I don't want to come across as a poor loser, but this is just plainly wrong.
"It's definitely affected the value of our property because we've lost the view that everyone wants when they move down to this part of the world."
He said council officials "seem to have sided with the developers".
“For the past two-and-a-half years they have been hiding behind Covid concerns and failed to come out to see what is being built here," he said.
We wake up to a monstrosity of a mansion. It's ruined our view
"The original drawings were all for low-lying buildings and now we have multi-storey buildings going up – it’s a shambles.
“You wake up every morning and wonder what’s going to confront you when you throw back the curtains."
A spokesman from Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council said an investigation continues.
"The developers have been made aware that any works undertaken without the necessary planning approval are at their own risk and could be liable to formal enforcement action," he said.
Read More on The Sun
I’m a jeweller – my least favourite engagement rings & what to do if you hate yours
Spain holiday warning as UK gov issue new summer travel advice
"The council has been in discussions with the developer’s agents in respect of the unauthorised aspects of the development and retrospective planning applications are currently in the process of being prepared for submission.
"However, there is no guarantee that planning consent will be forthcoming."
Source: Read Full Article