When Vicky Curtis-Cresswell won a £6m dream home in March through an Omaze charity draw, she thought the keys were just days away.
But nearly four months later, she’s still locked out, caught in the middle of a planning row over unapproved additions to the luxury property.
Now, with the council rejecting planning permission and retrospective plans hanging in the balance, the prize remains out of reach.
From over- to very much underwhelmed
When Vicky Curtis-Cresswell found out she had won a £6 million mansion in Norfolk through an Omaze and Comic Relief raffle, she described the moment as "overwhelming".
Originally from South Wales, she had been living with her in-laws while searching for a rental property for her family and the win promised to change everything.
But nearly four months later, she still hasn’t received the keys.
Speaking at the time, the former Miss Wales finalist shared plans to sell the Norfolk property and buy a family home in Wales.
Planning problems and a surprise setback
The delay began in March, when an anonymous complaint to North Norfolk District Council prompted an investigation into whether the luxury home had been built in line with the correct planning conditions.
According to planning documents and council comments, several elements, including the size of the property, a tennis court and a swimming pool, were never granted planning permission.
The council has since confirmed that a pre-application has been received, followed by a retrospective planning application submitted by Omaze. However, the application has not progressed smoothly.
A North Norfolk District Council spokesperson said: “At present we are waiting for an application to be submitted by the owners to try and regularise the current breaches of planning control. We are expecting an application to be submitted by the end of this month.”
Until the application is resolved and approved, Omaze has paused the transfer of ownership.
Omaze responds: 'No costs for winners, ever'
In a statement provided to this Homebuilding & Renovating, an Omaze spokesperson said the company is continuing to work closely with the council to address the issues and reaffirmed its commitment to the winner.
They said: “Omaze continues to work with North Norfolk District Council in relation to recommendations made regarding the property in Norfolk. Omaze has submitted a pre-application to the council and is submitting a retrospective planning application.
"Omaze reiterates that it guarantees no house winner would ever have to incur any costs whatsoever to remedy any historical planning issue. Omaze further guarantees that all house prizes are transferred to winners with good and marketable title.”
For now, Vicky’s dream home remains just out of reach and her story serves as a reminder that even a multimillion-pound prize can come with unforeseen strings attached.
