Captain Sir Tom Moore’s Daughter Loses Appeal Over Spa Demolition
Hannah Ingram-Moore, daughter of wartime hero Captain Sir Tom Moore, and her husband have hit a brick wall. Central Bedfordshire Council has rejected their appeal against the demolition order for an unauthorised spa at their Bedfordshire home.
Foundation Name Sparks Controversy
The couple initially used the Captain Tom Foundation’s name on their spa plans. After revisions, the plans were still knocked back by council planners. The foundation, set up in June 2020 to honour Sir Tom’s legendary COVID-era fundraising walks, is now being probed by the Charity Commission. This inquiry is separate from the £38 million raised for NHS charities that earned Sir Tom a knighthood in July 2020.
From Hero’s Legacy to Planning Battle
Sir Tom Moore, the beloved Second World War veteran who passed away aged 100 in January 2021, left behind a lasting legacy of charity work. His family hoped to carry on that spirit with the foundation. Later in 2021, Hannah and her husband got permission to build a Captain Tom Foundation building at their £1.2 million Marston Moretaine property.
Planning Permission Refused for Spa Pool
The trouble began with a retrospective application for a larger building that included a spa pool. Central Bedfordshire Council refused the plans and served an enforcement notice demanding demolition of the “now-unauthorised building.” The couple appealed to the Planning Inspectorate but the decision went against them.
Family Claims Building Isn’t Overbearing
In their appeal, the family insisted the new building was “no more overbearing” than what was previously approved, with no increase in height. They also argued its location at the back of the site reduces any visual impact on neighbours and the public.
