Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the co-owner of Manchester United, has won an 18-month planning battle over his property in Hampshire’s New Forest. The billionaire businessman faced accusations of turning his seven-acre estate into an “industrial site” due to the construction of two barns, a tennis court, and a pergola without consent. However, he applied for retrospective planning permission in 2022 and has now been granted approval for the developments at his £6 million holiday home. This includes a honey-making factory, as Sir Jim is passionate about beekeeping and values home-produced garden produce.
In his planning documents, Sir Jim emphasized the importance of beekeeping to him and his family. He stated that while beehives are distributed throughout the grounds, indoor storage is necessary for honey processing and beekeeping equipment. The documents also acknowledged that the additional storage buildings were larger than standard domestic sheds but argued that the size of the seven-acre garden and the extensive equipment required for maintenance justified the need for substantial storage accommodation.
Despite objections from a nearby resident who criticized Sir Jim’s industrialization of the area and accused him of acting with impunity due to his wealth, the plans were approved by the New Forest National Park Authority. The authority noted that although the works may appear incongruous in a New Forest setting, they are confined to a small part of the site and are not visible in the wider landscape. They also stated that the impact on neighbors is minimal, and measures have been taken to mitigate concerns about ecology by incorporating features such as bat tubes, bird boxes, and insect blocks.
This is not the first time Sir Jim has sought permission for changes to his luxury property. In 2020, he won a six-year battle to build a luxury summer building on stilts. Sir Jim, who grew up in a Manchester council house, is ranked as Britain’s second wealthiest man with an estimated worth of £29 billion. He made his fortune through his chemical company, Ineos, and has invested in various sports ventures, including buying Team Sky in 2019 and purchasing 25% of Manchester United shares in 2021.
Overall, the planning permission granted to Sir Jim Ratcliffe reflects the balance between his desire to pursue his hobbies and maintain his property while considering the impact on the surrounding area. The approval with certain conditions demonstrates that the developments are contained within the site and do not adversely affect the character, appearance, or ecology of the wider area. Sir Jim’s passion for beekeeping and commitment to home-produced goods adds a personal touch to the planning process, showcasing his dedication to sustainable development.