Surinder Arora, the wealthy Tory supporter, has been instructed to dismantle his opulent Fairmont Windsor Park Hotel, the site where the historic Brexit deal was signed by Rishi Sunak and Ursula von der Leyen.
This directive comes as a result of unauthorised expansions and additions to the building which have been deemed detrimental to the Green Belt, according to findings by Runnymede Borough Council.
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Founder and chairman of the Arora Group, 64-year-old Arora has until October 2023 to challenge the council’s decision.
This isn’t the only recent setback for Mr Arora, as planning permission for five luxury treehouses on a neighbouring property has also been denied, raising the possibility of their removal.
From humble beginnings to billionaire status
Surinder Arora’s remarkable journey began as an airport baggage handler. He established his business empire in 1993 by converting four derelict houses near Heathrow Airport into bed-and-breakfast accommodation for British Airways cabin crew.
He now holds a portfolio of 16 hotels with more than 6,000 rooms, primarily situated near Heathrow and Gatwick airports in London. His family’s net worth is now £1.3 billion, as disclosed by The Sunday Times 2023 Rich List.
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By GlobalDataConservative gathering and Brexit victory
The luxury Fairmont Windsor Park Hotel served as the backdrop for Rishi Sunak and Ursula von der Leyen to formalise the Windsor Framework, a significant triumph for the British Prime Minister. It was later entirely reserved by the Conservative Party for a range of activities, including lectures, receptions and a dinner attended by the Prime Minister.
Set in 40 acres of parkland on the outskirts of the 4,800-acre Windsor Great Park, the five-star Fairmont Windsor Park Hotel offers not only premium lodging but also an award-winning spa, seven dining establishments, and numerous event spaces.
The hotel features 15 meeting rooms and a ballroom suitable for up to 700 attendees.
Resident complaints and unapproved additions
But local residents have voiced concerns about the hotel’s expansion, prompting an investigation that uncovered several significant alterations to the building without proper planning permission.
These changes included an additional wing and two extensions, which resulted in the building exceeding its originally approved height.
Mr Arora, through Arora Management Services Ltd, had previously donated £5,000 to the Conservatives in Runnymede and Weybridge, along with £1,450 in sponsorship, according to records reviewed by the Telegraph.
Apology and plans for resolution
Expressing regret for the oversights during the construction process, Mr Arora stated, “It was a highly challenging construction site being developed in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic.”
He also confirmed ongoing discussions with Runnymede Council and other local stakeholders to find mutually agreeable solutions, reiterating his commitment to the local area and its economic well-being.
Runnymede Borough Council expressed disappointment at the unauthorised work on the hotel and issued a Planning Enforcement Notice, giving the hotel two options: either revert to the approved plans or face demolition.
The council has indicated its willingness to consider a retrospective planning application for the hotel.
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