A West End theatre producer, Adam Spiegel, has been instructed to dismantle his coastal residence dubbed “Arcady” (an ideal rustic paradise) by North Norfolk District Council following a prolonged dispute. Spiegel, known for productions like Hairspray and The Mousetrap, constructed the house in Cley-next-the-Sea, Norfolk, in 2014, after obtaining planning approval. However, the council contended that the imposing and intrusive nature of the dwelling did not align with the authorised plans.
Originally, Spiegel received consent for a contemporary two-story house, which replaced a bungalow, with the assurance that it would blend harmoniously with the local surroundings. After investigating a complaint, the council disagreed, finding inconsistencies between the approved design and the actual construction.
Citing the “height and prominence” of Arcady, the council deemed it detrimental to the Conservation Area, dominating the southern view and presenting a fortress-like appearance towards Newgate Green. The structure was visually out of sync with neighbouring houses and cottages, and its rectangular bulk protruded above the road, significantly impacting the street scene.
Despite the council ordering a halt to construction and requesting a new planning application, work continued without submission. Exhausting all avenues for resolution, the council eventually issued an enforcement notice demanding the house’s demolition.
The Spiegels appealed the decision and submitted a revised planning application, which received 31 objections and was ultimately rejected. The Planning Inspectorate’s ruling was issued almost four years after the council’s initial enforcement notice.
The decision allows an annexe building and swimming pool to remain on the property. The council stated its willingness to collaborate with the appellants to achieve the required outcomes following these decisions.