Maidstones favourite property tycoon Fergus Wilson has announced plans to build 33 new homes.
The multi-millionaire said plans to build the new homes around Boughton Monchelsea near Maidstone, where he lives – a retirement plan as part of a £25 million business “exit strategy”.
Mr Wilson confirmed details for his new scheme, which includes 10 houses on land north of The Limes, seven houses at barns off East Hall Hill, and seven houses off Long Lane. A further three homes are planned for land east of the Limes, with single homes planned in various locations including land west of The Limes, east of Boughton Lodge, west of Boughton Lodge, Long Lane, and south of Heath Road, while a further roof extension is planned at Fairview Heath Road.
The 74-year-old, who already has amassed a personal fortune between £35-40 million, said he thinks the plans could earn him £25 million, although he is expecting stiff resistance.
Mr Wilson said “I’m sure a lot of people will get upset about it because that tends to be what happens with parish councils up and down the country.
“They’re against everything because they’re conservative with a small ‘c’ and don’t like change. You have to take into account that up and down the country there’s a demand for property. Everything has to change. The thing is people have got to live somewhere.”
I think it will end up with the parish council screaming and hollering
To ensure there is suitable housing for everyone, Mr Wilson said that were mostly designed to be associated with “equestrian use”, with stables and land, which he hoped would help win favour with planners. He said that, while planning policy was weighted against development in rural areas, there was also policy in favour of recreational use.
The unpopular businessman said “It’s an exception if it’s for equestrian use, so that’s what we’re doing. Around this area between 10am and 2pm all I ever see is ladies riding horses’.
Opponents to his plans say that Fergus already has enough money to last through his retirement, but one a businessman, always a businessman!
