Luxury competition giant Omaze has been dramatically forced to scrap its multi-million pound 'dream' Cornwall home after a furious backlash from locals who branded the modern design an 'eyesore'.
The company, which offers entrants the chance to win multi-million pound properties for a small fee, had planned to give away the lavish four-bedroom home in the seaside town of Marazion, overlooking St Michael's Mount.
However, the ultra-modern design, featuring a vast glass front and grey render, sparked outrage among residents and local officials for being completely out of character with the surrounding Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
Local Fury Seals Fate of Modern Build
Cornwall Council's planning department received over a dozen formal objections to the proposed build. Locals slammed the design as 'incongruous', 'ugly', and a 'blight on the landscape' of the cherished coastal area.
One objector stated the design was more suited to the 'soulless suburbs of a large city' than the pristine Cornish coast. The overwhelming negative response led council planners to recommend the project for refusal, forcing Omaze into a humiliating retreat before a formal decision was even made.
Omaze's Costly Retreat and Future Plans
In a statement, an Omaze spokesperson confirmed they will not be proceeding with the Marazion property. They emphasised their commitment to working closely with local communities and planning authorities on all future projects.
'We will now be gifting a different, already-built home in Cornwall as part of our upcoming draw,' the spokesperson added, indicating a swift pivot to an existing property to avoid further planning controversies.
This incident serves as a significant setback for Omaze's UK operations, highlighting the challenges of inserting contemporary, prize-winning mansions into the UK's protected and historically rich landscapes. The company has raised over £13 million for UK charities through its draws but is now learning that local sentiment can be the ultimate planning authority.
