Vicky Curtis-Cresswell won a £6 million home in Blakeney, Norfolk, in an Omaze draw for Comic Relief in March 2025 but was unable to take ownership for about a year due to planning issues, according to multiple reports. The property was found to be in breach of planning rules in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, prompting a council investigation. North Norfolk District Council launched an investigation into the property based on a tip-off before Vicky Curtis-Cresswell was declared the winner, multiple reports indicate.
The council determined that the home was not built to approved plans in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, violating planning regulations. The identity of the person who made the tip-off remains unknown, adding to the complexities of the case. Omaze bought the property in 2024 after it was constructed by previous owners, Aftonbladet reports, and had to secure retrospective planning permission for alterations, which was granted in October 2024.
The company has completed all remaining works on the property, and it is now ready for handover to Vicky Curtis-Cresswell, multiple reports indicate. Omaze clarified before the draw that the winner would not be responsible for any payments associated with required changes to the property, according to Aftonbladet. Vicky Curtis-Cresswell received a £250,000 cash prize from Omaze and was regularly updated and supported throughout the process, multiple reports show.
Sources close to Vicky Curtis-Cresswell claim she faced an extremely stressful time due to uncertainty and constant questioning from others during the delay. The current timeline for the handover of the property to Vicky Curtis-Cresswell remains unspecified, leaving some aspects of the resolution unclear. The planning issues centered on the property's construction not matching approved plans, which is a significant concern in protected areas like the Norfolk coast.
Omaze's involvement included addressing these compliance matters to ensure the home could be legally transferred to the winner.