Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the billionaire proprietor of Manchester United, has emerged triumphant in an 18-month planning dispute over the establishment of a bee factory and tennis court at his £6 million holiday residence.
The 71-year-old had come under fire amid accusations of converting his seven-acre waterside property in Hampshire’s New Forest into what was labeled as an ‘industrial site,’ with the unauthorized construction of two large barns, a tennis court, and a pergola. Despite the initial construction being carried out without appropriate consent, Sir Ratcliffe has now gained retrospective authorization from the planning authority, despite objections branding the endeavor as ‘industrialist.’
This planning debacle is only the latest narrative in the chemical magnate’s ongoing run-ins with planning standards, having previously encountered rejections for constructing a beachside estate before finally succeeding in 2017.
In addition to his New Forest estate, Sir Jim also possesses opulent residences in Monaco and Lake Geneva, Switzerland, as well as a 260-foot super-yacht, evidencing a strong interest in luxurious properties.
His New Forest home, once marshland and an agricultural field, was transformed into a beachside summer retreat in the late 1890s, with The Bung serving as a bungalow for Lord Montagu of Beaulieu. The site has since welcomed distinguished figures like King Edward VII as visitors, and is currently home to notable personalities such as Mark Knopfler and Chris Packham.
Ranked as Britain’s second wealthiest man with an estimated fortune of £29 billion, Sir Ratcliffe’s passion for beekeeping is apparent from the planning documents submitted by his agent. The documents highlight his dedication to producing homegrown garden produce and the establishment of beehives to supply his family with honey.
The application sought consent to legitimize various works that had already been carried out on the site, including the construction of a tennis court, a pergola, and other landscaping works. Despite objections from local residents expressing discontent with the proposed developments, the plans were eventually approved by the New Forest National Park Authority, subject to specific conditions.
While the construction of substantial outbuilding sheds raised concerns, it was noted that they occupy a relatively minor area of the site and have little impact on the overall character and appearance of the surrounding area. Mitigation measures were also highlighted to address ecological and biodiversity concerns, including the installation of bat tubes and boxes, sparrow and swift boxes, bee bricks, hives, and insect blocks.
This recent planning approval adds to Sir Ratcliffe’s history of disputes with planning authorities, having previously succeeded in establishing a luxury summer building on stilts after a lengthy struggle. The billionaire, who bought BP’s chemicals division in 1992 and renamed it Ineos, has witnessed a steady increase in his wealth, catapulting him to the top of the Sunday Times Rich List and earning a knighthood in 2018.
Despite controversies surrounding his relocation to Monaco and tax-saving strategies, Sir Ratcliffe remains a prominent figure known for his successful business ventures and enthusiastic involvement in football and other sporting interests.
In conclusion, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s recent victory in the planning battle has allowed him to pursue his passion for beekeeping and enjoy recreational amenities at his New Forest holiday home, marking another milestone in his eventful journey from a Manchester council house to becoming one of Britain’s richest and most influential entrepreneurs.