In the serene landscape of rural Suffolk, a multi-million pound battle is raging over the future of a historic estate, pitting a billionaire property magnate against a determined local councillor and her newly-formed political party.
The £80 Million Vision for Cockfield Hall
At the heart of the dispute stands Cockfield Hall, a Grade I listed 16th-century mansion set within 76 acres of picturesque countryside in Yoxford. The estate was purchased in 2014 by Jon Hunt, the billionaire founder of Foxtons estate agency, whose personal fortune is estimated at £1.345 billion. Hunt has since poured tens of millions into an ambitious plan to transform the hall into a 50-bedroom luxury country-house hotel, with a total investment vision reaching £80 million.
This project is seen as the centrepiece of Hunt's expanding hospitality portfolio, which includes the neighbouring and highly exclusive Wilderness Reserve – a retreat favoured by celebrities including singers Rita Ora and Cheryl Tweedy, and comedian Jack Whitehall. Supporters argue the Cockfield Hall development would breathe vital economic life into the area, creating jobs, boosting tourism revenue, and securing the long-term future of a heritage site that has suffered decades of decline.
A One-Woman Political Crusade Emerges
The grand design, however, now faces a formidable and unusual obstacle. Local councillor Julia Ewart has launched a concerted campaign to derail the planning process, going so far as to establish a new political entity – the East Anglian Alliance Party (EAA) – currently mid-registration with the Electoral Commission.
Ewart, a former Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate who later sat as an Independent, dismisses accusations of NIMBY-ism. She cites a suite of objections including increased traffic, noise pollution from events, threats to wildlife habitats, and a fear the development will set a precedent for further expansion. She has publicly criticised East Suffolk Council planners, accusing them of lacking "probity" and appearing to "speak on behalf of Jon Hunt".
Her actions have caused significant waves. At one point, the council referred itself to the Local Government Planning Advisory Service following her allegations. While planners were later cleared by the independent investigation, the process delayed Hunt's refurbishment plans.
Economic Promise Versus Local Intrusion
The clash has deeply divided local opinion. Conservative Councillor Paul Ashdown champions the investment, stating it is "exactly the kind of investment we need" to create local jobs and preserve historic buildings. An anonymous employee on the estate warned that "my livelihood and that of many others relies on a vibrant rural economy," expressing disbelief that "one rogue councillor" could jeopardise future job creation.
Conversely, Councillor Ewart, backed by fellow Suffolk hospitality entrepreneur Marcus Pearcey, describes the scale of proposed works as "amazing... but very, very intrusive." She remains incredulous that permission, including to demolish a historic wall, seems likely to be granted.
East Suffolk Council declined to comment, but Clive McNish, manager of the Wilderness Reserve, reaffirmed the project's benefits, stating it "will generate a host of new jobs for the community and grow our local and regional supply chains." As the standoff continues, the future of this multi-million pound vision for Suffolk's heritage and economy hangs in the balance, decided as much in the arena of local politics as in planning meetings.
