The Larkfields property in Blakeney, situated in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, was reportedly not built in accordance with approved plans. Council officials are set to convene this week to determine potential actions, including whether modifications to the property will be required, the BBC reports.

Despite the ongoing investigation, Omaze has assured that the raffle winner will not be liable for any costs linked to the planning concerns.

With stunning views over Blakeney Point, a National Nature Reserve, the mansion was heavily marketed as part of the Omaze prize draw. Entries for the competition have now closed, with the winner set to be announced live on BBC One during Red Nose Day on 21 March.

Omaze pledged that the raffle would generate at least a £1m donation for Comic Relief. However, the council’s investigation began after an anonymous tip-off raised concerns that the mansion’s construction deviated from the original approved designs.

Marketing materials released by Omaze showcased floor plans and photographs that allegedly differ from the council-approved blueprints from 2020. Reports indicate that the property includes additional outbuildings, a swimming pool, and a tennis court—none of which appear to have received planning approval.

Andrew Brown, the council’s cabinet member for planning and enforcement, confirmed that an internal and external investigation had been conducted. “The enforcement team has identified breaches, which are now under consideration,” he stated.

The next step involves a review by the council’s enforcement board to determine the severity and status of these breaches.

While details of the specific breaches remain undisclosed, some modifications may be exempt from enforcement due to the four-year rule, which allows certain unauthorized developments to gain retrospective approval.

A condition tied to the property’s planning approval had previously removed permitted development rights, meaning that any additional features such as the swimming pool and tennis courts should have required formal approval.

Given Blakeney’s status as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, stringent restrictions exist regarding new developments in the region.

Omaze reassured that any planning issues would not affect the raffle winner. “Omaze guarantees that no house winner would ever have to incur any costs whatsoever to remedy an alleged historical planning breach,” a company spokesperson said.

Comic Relief also responded, stating that it had been “strongly assured” that proper due diligence had been conducted and that the winner would not face any financial consequences linked to the investigation.

According to property site Zoopla, Larkfields was last sold for £6m in July.