Starbucks Millionaire Faces Order to Remove £800k Mansion Pool & Bar
In the quaint village of Durley, near Southampton, a brewing conflict between a Starbucks millionaire and his neighbours has caught the attention of local residents and officials. Mark Hepburn, a business mogul who once owned the Starbucks franchise 23.5 Degrees with 110 UK branches, finds himself at the center of a bitter planning dispute that could result in the demolition of the luxurious amenities at his £800,000 six-bedroom mansion.
The heart of the matter lies in Winchester City Council’s refusal to grant Hepburn permission to convert his three-acre countryside estate into a residential space officially. This decision puts his swimming pool, tennis court, bar, home gym, TV room, and children’s play area at risk of being torn out, much to the dismay of his disgruntled neighbors who have raised concerns about the “increased urbanization” of the area.
Hepburn, who purchased the sprawling mansion in 2017, defended his use of the land, emphasizing its semi-rural nature and the importance of the extensive garden for his young family. He recalled how the previous owners had kept alpacas on the property, a childhood dream of his wife’s that added a touch of charm to their home life. However, because the alpacas were classified as pets and not for commercial use, Hepburn was required to seek approval to show that the land was being used for residential purposes.
Despite providing evidence of the land’s historical residential use dating back to 1988, Hepburn’s application was rejected. Undeterred, he proceeded to construct the additional amenities, including the tennis courts, bar, and gym, in wooden huts without the necessary planning permission, believing he had the right to do so.
Neighbours David Bushby and Dawn Castell joined the fray, expressing their concerns about Hepburn’s land use practices, particularly in relation to the recent fencing off of a large area for alpacas and the installation of a children’s play area. Their statement highlighted the potential risks of increased development and urbanization in the countryside area, which they believed was not aligned with local authority plans.
Adding to the mix, long-time local resident Mark Day shared his memories of the property’s history, recalling the presence of market gardens and industrial greenhouses. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the land for horticultural and grazing use, advocating for its preservation in its current state.
The inquiry into Hepburn’s situation continues, with the fate of his mansion’s lavish amenities hanging in the balance. As the battle between personal property rights and community concerns plays out, the tensions in Durley serve as a microcosm of the broader challenges facing rural development and land use regulations.
In this picturesque corner of the world, where alpacas once roamed and dreams of a tranquil family life took root, the clash between tradition and modernity unfolds. As Hepburn fights to preserve his slice of paradise, the echoes of past land use practices and the aspirations of future generations reverberate through the idyllic countryside, waiting for a resolution that balances progress with preservation.