Property developer James Perkins is facing criticism from wildlife campaigners over plans to construct new homes on his Parnham House estate in Dorset, England. Perkins argues that the proceeds from the development are essential to fund the extensive restoration of the Grade I-listed Elizabethan manor, which was severely damaged by a fire in 2017. He contends that opponents are unfairly treating him as an antagonist.
Perkins acquired the blackened shell of Parnham House and its 131-acre estate in 2020 for £2.5 million. He estimates that a total of £25 million is required for the restoration. To date, approximately £8 million has been spent on emergency stabilization, scaffolding, planning applications, and consultants. An additional £15 million is still needed to complete the project wing by wing.
The developer and his wife, Sophie, have already moved into the west wing of the house and plan to create 12 bedrooms in the main house and an additional 33 guest rooms across the estate to ensure its financial viability. Planning permission has been granted for guest houses, a river lodge, a boathouse, and a restaurant, which has already been recognized by the Michelin guide.
However, Perkins has also applied for permission to build 82 homes on a 21-acre field within the estate. This proposal has drawn strong opposition from conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts who claim the development would destroy the habitat of protected species, including a rare albino badger known locally as Alberto. Critics also state the meadow is a haven for barn owls, otters, grass snakes, and dormice.
Perkins expressed his frustration, telling The Times that he feels discouraged and that "people like me need to be encouraged." He stated that his intention is to save the historic home, suggesting the situation could become a test case for property owners seeking to develop parts of their estates to preserve historic buildings. He characterized the opposition from some neighbors as "nimbys" and likened their treatment of him to that of "the Antichrist."
He further elaborated that responding to individual objections requires hiring consultants and conducting laboratory tests, resources he believes could be better allocated to the restoration efforts. He asserted, "I’m not building on your front garden, it’s my garden."
A spokesperson for Dorset Natural Heritage Initiative voiced concerns that the proposed development would "bulldoze the meadow area to erect a dozen £1.25m town houses along with a £2m road bridge across the river – threatening to destroy this fragile environment." They highlighted the meadow as a crucial habitat for a population of albino badgers, including Alberto, who was rescued in 2015, and noted that these animals have thrived in the quiet conditions, especially during COVID-19 lockdowns.
Local resident and nature lover Colin Varndell described the development as "catastrophic for nature." He stated he is not interested in saving the house itself but is vehemently against the environmental destruction. Varndell criticized the plans to open up the secluded river area for public use, predicting it would become devoid of wildlife. He also expressed concern that the estate would be developed for wealthy buyers seeking country homes.
Perkins' design statement asserts that the scale of the housing development is necessary for the financial sustainability of restoring the south wing. The proposed homes are designed to emulate nearby Poundbury, a model town. The developers claim the new construction will feature design elements from Parnham House, with only 14 trees being removed and 80 new ones planted, alongside riverbank restoration. They state the design is sympathetic and will not unduly impact the setting of Parnham House.
Dorset Council is currently reviewing the application, with a decision anticipated in the autumn.