After months of uncertainty, the winner of a £6m Omaze mansion in Blakeney has finally been told she can move in.
North Norfolk District Council has approved retrospective planning permission for the home’s pool, tennis court, and garage, ending a seven-month wrangle.
But Vicky Curtis-Cresswell says she now plans to sell the luxury property and buy a family home in Wales instead.
Committee says there is 'no reason why it should be rejected'
Blakeney Parish Council expressed concerns over the developments, stating the importance of adhering to planning policies to preserve the area's character.
Chair Rosemary Thew stated that the planning application for the Omaze home should be rejected to "send a clear message that planning processes must be adhered to," highlighting that the size of Larkfields had "increased considerably" and that the modifications failed to preserve and enhance the conservation area.
Development Committee chair Paul Heinrich said the fact the application was retrospective wasn’t a reason to refuse it, adding: “There are no policy reasons why this should be rejected.”
Planning officers said the pool and summer house could have been built under permitted development rights, while the tennis court and garage required consent but were acceptable in scale and appearance.
Winner's announces plans to sell after the delay
Part 1: 🎉 From Miss Wales finalist to multi-millionaire! 🎉Vicky Curtis-Cresswell, a former Miss Wales finalist from South Wales, just WON the £6,000,000 Norfolk House in the BIGGEST EVER Omaze Prize Draw—all from a £10 entry! 😱🏡Vicky’s win couldn’t have come at a better… pic.twitter.com/iaKNYGu5a8March 28, 2025
Vicky Curtis-Cresswell, the winner of the mansion, expressed "pure joy" upon learning of her win. She had been residing with her in-laws while awaiting the resolution of the planning dispute.
With the issue now settled, she plans to sell the property and purchase a home in Wales for her family.
She stated, "I think we'll sell it to release the money and buy another amazing house somewhere in Wales," indicating her intention to move forward with her plans.
Omaze's 'guarantee' to winners
Omaze has previously said it will cover all costs to resolve the planning issues and ensure the house can be legally transferred to the winner.
A company spokesperson stated: "Omaze has taken every possible step to bring the issue to a swift resolution, including submitting a retrospective planning application to address the recommendations made by North Norfolk District Council."
They added: "We guarantee no house winner would ever have to incur any costs to remedy historical planning issues, and all house prizes are transferred with good and marketable title."
