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Millionaire surgeon, 37, bids to rebuild six-bedroom mansion after it collapsed as he built giant luxury basement

Sid Gautam, 37, is facing objections from angry neighbours (WNS)
Sid Gautam, 37, is facing objections from angry neighbours (WNS)

A millionaire surgeon is bidding to rebuild his luxury seaside home — after it collapsed in ruins while he was making a giant new basement.

Cosmetic surgeon Sid Gautam, 37, has now drawn up new plans for an “avant-garde” six bedroom house over four floors — much to the objection of his furious neighbours.

It will be the second time Mr Gautam has tried to rebuild the luxury property in Penarth, Wales after it collapsed in June 2016.

A year ago angry neighbours sent in 13 letters opposing any new work — including complaints Mr Gautam had destroyed the interior of the 1920s house and his plans were opposed.

The owner was building an enormous basement when the house collapsed (WSN)
The owner was building an enormous basement when the house collapsed (WSN)
Neighbours sent more than a dozen angry letters opposing the work (WSN)
Neighbours sent more than a dozen angry letters opposing the work (WSN)

So Mr Gautam completely flattened the ruined building and left just a hole in the ground — which he now wants to rebuild into the house of his dreams.

He said: “We understand that there will be differences of opinion when it comes to raw design but we also feel that this debate has been going on since time immemorial, from as far back to when huts were replaced by houses and when the straight Georgian lines were replaced by the curves of the Art Deco period.

The house was bought for £800,000 (WSN)
The house was bought for £800,000 (WSN)

“We would be delighted for people to appreciate it for what it is meant to be – a solid family home which will enrich the Penarth architectural scene and bring value to the area and its surrounding properties.”

After the hostile response from neighbours, the town council also decided to oppose the plans — calling them “poorly designed, incongruous and cramped.”

Penarth Town council said: “It fails to respect the existing character and appearance of the immediate surrounding area and would have a significant adverse impact on the character of the street scene.”

Neighbours are furious at the proposals (WSN)
Neighbours are furious at the proposals (WSN)
Gautam says he wants elderly relatives to live in the property (WSN)
Gautam says he wants elderly relatives to live in the property (WSN)

A second opposition statement read: “By reason of its scale, form, siting, and relationship to neighbouring properties, the proposed replacement dwelling would represent an unreasonably overshadowing and overbearing form of development that would unacceptably impact upon the amenities of neighbours.”

But the cosmetic surgeon, who lives with wife Helen, 37, and their two young children, said he wants the space to house his elderly relatives.

He said: “We have a large family and would like to have the space to look after our elderly relatives in the comfort of our own home and have a place for our young children to grow up. We only want to do this once and therefore are trying to future proof this home as much as possible, hence the size of it.

The building has been described as dangerous (WSN)
The building has been described as dangerous (WSN)
When the house collapsed, it was feared workers could have been injured (WSN)
When the house collapsed, it was feared workers could have been injured (WSN)

“Neither my wife nor I wish to ever see our parents live in care homes at any point, and therefore we are building rooms for them now so that we can ensure that they are cared for by us in the future, if needed.

“I am determined to make sure that our vision is eventually realised and that our two children can live in what will be a comfortable home, with fantastic schools nearby.”

The home — bought for £800,000 in 2014 — crumbled to the ground in June in the seaside Victorian town of Penarth, South Wales, recently voted the most sought after place to live in Wales by the Sunday Times.

The remains of the luxury home (WSN)
The remains of the luxury home (WSN)
Builders work on the destroyed house (WNS)
Builders work on the destroyed house (WNS)

Its rear walls collapsed into a newly excavated bottom floor, sparking concerns for builders who were on site. Sniffer dogs and rescue teams were sent in to check for casualties, but all workmen were accounted for.

Health and safety chiefs then had to shut down gas and electric supplies to the property in case of an explosion.

Fire station manager Justin Jones said at the time: “This shouldn’t have been allowed to happen. The site is still very dangerous and will be boarded up.”