David and Heidi Nash, new neighbors to former football manager Harry Redknapp in the exclusive Sandbanks area, have submitted plans to demolish a £6 million, 115-year-old harborside house and replace it with a five-bedroom mansion featuring a swimming pool. The property, known as Cama, has been in the same family since 1945.
Local authorities and a neighborhood group have raised concerns about the demolition plans. BCP Council's conservation officer, Margo Teasdale, stated that Cama is a "very good example of a substantial Arts and Crafts house" that contributes significantly to the Sandbanks Conservation Area. The council believes that knocking down the house would cause "substantial harm to the significance of the area." The Sandbanks Neighbourhood Forum also objected, citing that the proposed new dwelling resembles a "poor pastiche" of the original style, would be too close to the water's edge, and could negatively impact harborside views.
The Nashs, who purchased the home earlier this year, are represented by Heidi Nash, managing director of Selling Sandbanks, a company specializing in property acquisition in the area, and David Nash, CEO of law firm Canford Law.
Despite the official objections, the proposal has garnered support from some existing neighbors. Tom Glanfield, an entrepreneur and owner of a nearby property, believes the area needs investment and that the Nashs have the resources and energy to revitalize the site. Paul Pressland, a commercial property developer, commented that the existing house is in a "poor state of repair" and that the proposed design is "attractive but sustainable," potentially enhancing the aesthetics of the gateway to Poole Harbour.
Ian Penfold, who lives on the other side of the Nashs' property, has reviewed the plans and described them as an "excellent proposal, sensitive and in keeping with the area," urging the planning department to approve the application.
BCP Council has not yet made a decision on the planning application. This development comes shortly after Harry and Sandra Redknapp had their own application to demolish and replace their home rejected by the council earlier this year. Their previous plans included a five-bedroom property with multiple en-suite bathrooms, a detached garage, a sauna, steam room, and hot tub.