Sir Tom Moore's family attend home spa hearing. Know about controversy, what will happen next

Capt Sir Tom Moore's daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore and her husband have attended the hearing that will decide whether the controversial spa built in their garden should be demolished. They have appealed against the demolition order. Hannah Ingram-Moore and her husband have used the Captain Tom Foundation charity's name on the first plans for the building, with revised plans then turned down.

Controversy over spa

A controversy erupted after the house was partly constructed when revised plans were submitted to the Central Bedfordshire Council in February 2022. It included a spa pool, toilets, and a kitchen 'for private use'. However, the council turned down the revised plan in November 2022.


A neighbour protested against the construction of the spa and argued that the building was "49% bigger than what was consented to". He also said that it was close to his property, and was "very brutal".

Council intervenes

But Ingram-Moore said that the heights of the approved and built buildings were "the same". Replying to this, planning enforcement team leader for Central Bedfordshire Council Richard Proctor said that though the tennis court wasn't ideal, but it was significantly less harmful than the building.

Demolition order issued

Earlier, Inspector Diane Fleming, appointed by the secretary of state, said that when the council issued a demolition notice in November 2022, the now-unauthorized C-shaped building was "substantially complete". The council will publish a written decision within six weeks of the one-day hearing.

Who was Capt Sir Tom?

Veteran Capt Sir Tom hit the headlines when he raised GBP 38 million for National Health Service charities by walking laps around his Bedfordshire garden during the first Covid-19 pandemic lockdown. He died in 2021 at the age of 100 after which his family set up a separate charity in his name.

FAQs:

Why did the council issue the order to demolish the spa constructed by the trust of Capt Sir Tom?
The facilities constructed at the trust property included a spa pool, toilets, and a kitchen 'for private use'. It violated the original plan and the council turned down the revised plan in November 2022.

Who was Capt Sir Tom?
Veteran Capt Sir Tom hit the headlines when he raised GBP 38 million for National Health Service charities by walking laps around his Bedfordshire garden during the first Covid-19 pandemic lockdown. He died in 2021 at the age of, aged 100 after which his family set up a separate charity in his name.