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£25 million restoration A luxurious house destroyed by fire It is in danger due to claims that it could destroy the natural habitat of albinos badger Named Alberto.
The rare animal was rescued by wildlife volunteers in 2015 after it was attacked by other badgers due to its unusual golden colour, and is now said to be living with its family in a “quiet, undisturbed” Millground meadow. dorset,
However, plans have been submitted for a housing development in the grounds of 16th-century Parnham House, consisting of more than 80 high-end homes, which will fund restoration work.
The Grade I listed property was destroyed by a fire in 2017, which is believed to have been deliberately started by its former owner Michael Treichl. He was arrested on suspicion of arson but was found dead two months later.
The property’s new owner, former Rev promoter James Perkins, has applied to build a “parkland” housing estate in the grounds, which would be inspired by King Charles’s model town Poundbury, built on Duchy of Cornwall land.
Mr Perkins intends to build 82 houses and two visitor accommodation lodges, as well as restore the south wing of the building as a “private home with a hospitality offering”.
Dorset Natural Heritage Initiative, which is campaigning against the development, said: “Millground meadow is not just a green space, it is home to one of the UK’s rarest sites: a regular population of albino badgers.
“Beaminster first connected with Alberto, an injured albino badger who was rescued in 2015, but is no longer alone.
“These yellow, pink-eyed badgers now depend on the cool, undisturbed habitat of the grassland for survival – sometimes visiting homes along this part of the River Britt.
“Badgers and other wildlife were the winners in the Covid lockdown, taking advantage of the resulting peace and quiet to explore and thrive in their reclaimed areas. Now it looks like that peace may be shattered forever.
A spokesman for Parnham Park, which manages the home, said there was no evidence to support the claims.
Project manager Ed Grant said its ecological assessment was “thorough” and “robust”.
He said: “We actually talk about otters on our website, and that’s because there is evidence at the other end of the property near Parnham Lake.
“The area to which the application refers is too shallow for otters to establish themselves.
“There is no evidence of badgers within 30 meters of the proposals.
“As always, we are focused on saving this incredibly important John Nash Grade I listed building.”