Dedham Society opposes plans to build a 'Poundland Versailles' in Constable Country

Quinlan Terry, who has championed classical architecture for more than 50 years, has raised concerns over the £7million mansion critics claim will ruin the views which inspired some of John Constable’s most notable paintings.

The property, owned by Craig Bisson and his wife, Nicole, is in Higham, Suffolk, but it is visible from Dedham and Langham.

The couple’s ambition to extend the house has also put Mr Terry at odds with his son, Francis, who runs his own architecture firm.

Honoured - Quinlan Terry is Prince Charles's favourite architect 

Mr Terry said he was approached by Mr Bisson in 2016 but he then decided to employ Francis.

It was assumed by Mr Terry Francis would be dealing with “repairs” to the house, rather than an enormous extension.

The planning application, lodged with Babergh and Mid Suffolk Council, revealed the Bissons want to change the name of the property from Masons Lodge to Higham Park.

Extravagant - a drawing of the extension for Higham Park 

They intend to add two wings along with formal gardens, a stable block and riding school, a swimming pool and a tree-lined driveway.

However, residents have objected to the plans, citing the extension would not be in keeping with the “picturesque English landscape” surrounding the property.

Artist John Constable took inspiration from the scenery to create some of his most notable paintings in the 19th century.

Charles Clover, the Dedham Vale Society’s chairman, believes the extension would be both “unforgivable and unnecessary”.

Opposed - Charles Clover, the Dedham Vale Society’s chairman, is against the extension

He said: “This Poundshop Versailles could not be more out of character with Constable Country. Constable consciously celebrated the workaday modesty of this part of the English countryside and depicted a harmonious society, not the gaudy excess on the part of the rich that led to revolution in France.

“Pasture is an important part of the character of the area, not formal gardens.”

Carol Gurney, from Higham, also objected to the application on the council’s planning portal.

“I feel I must object to this latest proposal which has frankly grown beyond any reasonable proportions,” he added.

Historic - John Constable's paintings were often inspired by the landscape in Dedham 

“Only a few years ago this site housed a small insignificant bungalow of humble and low elevation.”

Quinlan Terry, who was made a CBE in the New Year’s Honours list in 2015 in recognition of a distinguished career, voiced his objection in a letter to the council’s bosses.

His involvement with the building dates back to 2003 after he was asked to prepare a design for the demolition of a cottage in order to build a small house.

Mr Terry was “reluctant” to take on the job at first due to its location but thought a two-storey house would be acceptable.

Grand - the Palace of Versailles in France built by King Louis XIV

His letter said: “I now see approval we obtained was given for a large extension either side of the house as well as the addition of a summer house and bothy; and now there is an application for stables and manège and the name has changed from Masons Lodge to Higham Park.

“What I cannot understand is approval for a new building using the planning gain in 2003, the council has now approved a considerable further planning gain and we are now confronted with a further development in the heart of Dedham Vale on such an important site.”

But, the planning statement says the extension will be appropriate for the location and consistent with relevant planning policy.

It added: “Higham Park is a substantial country house set in significant grounds.

“Houses of this scale would traditionally have a number of ancillary buildings, many have stable complexes and grazing horses are part and parcel of the rural scene.

“The building itself is modest in its scale and is unlikely to have any significant negative impact on the wider landscape, area of outstanding natural beauty or the character and appearance of the location.”