Huddled in the heart of their family’s home, the kin of Capt Sir Tom Moore braces themselves for a tense hearing, the outcome of which could result in the destruction of a contested spa built within their garden boundaries. The renowned fundraiser’s progeny, Hannah Ingram-Moore and her spouse, find themselves in the throes of a strenuous appeal against an imminent demolition order.
The development in question initially found its roots in The Captain Tom Foundation charity, as seen in the preliminary construction plans. However, it wasn’t long before these designs met with ambitious modifications, all of which were subsequently dismissed.
In the midst of painstaking deliberation, the final verdict lies in the hands of The Planning Inspectorate, expected to deliver their decision within a six-week timeframe. The controversial structure, nestled on the grounds of the family residence in Marston Moretaine, initially received approval predicated on the need of the occupants and the Captain Tom Foundation. As such, construction commenced following planning permission granted in the late summer of 2021.
These plans, however, underwent significant revision by the time they reached the Central Bedfordshire Council in early 2022. The proposed enhancements, including a plush spa pool, a string of toilets, and a kitchen, were earmarked for exclusive private usage.
But the altered designs – henceforth known as the Captain Tom Building – were ultimately rejected by the Council in the late 2022. Despite the dismissal, the family held steadfast, defending the proposed structure as not carrying any more weight than the initially approved plan in the appeal documents.
In the fall of 2023, Ms Ingram-Moore took to Instagram to vehemently deny allegations of misusing charity funds for the establishment. She assured the public that not a dime of charity money went into the building’s construction.
Capt Sir Tom’s fame burgeoned in the wake of his impressive fundraising attempts during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. His heartfelt endeavor to raise money for the National Health Service charities saw him pacing the length and breadth of his garden in Bedfordshire. He rounded up a whopping £38m before he passed away at the ripe old age of 100. His family, in his memory, established a separate charity under his name.
However, this initiative is presently under a rigorous review by the Charity Commission, amidst growing concerns of potential profiteering by the family using Capt. Sir Tom’s name.
