Jim Ratcliffe bids to retain outbuildings at Thorns Beach

Billionaire businessman Sir Jim Ratcliffe has submitted a retrospective application to the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) after being contacted by its enforcement team.

Sir Jim, 70, founded the Ineos chemical empire and is said to be worth about £12bn.

He is also being tipped as a potential bidder for Manchester United following reports the club could be put on the market by the Glazer brothers, who have owned it since 2005.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is seeking consent for a 'bee factory' that was built on his Hampshire estate without planning permission. Picture: Ward Booth Partnership (Image: Ward-Booth Partnership)

Sir Jim spent years trying to get the go-ahead to build a seafront mansion at Thorns Beach, near Beaulieu, finally succeeding in 2017.

Now he is attempting to obtain permission for a "bee factory" that has been established in the grounds.

It is housed in one of two large outbuildings that were constructed without the secure of the NPA.

A planning statement says Sir Jim needs somewhere to store equipment used in the production of honey and the maintenance of beehives on the estate.

It adds: "It is acknowledged that these buildings were erected without the benefit of planning permission. Following contact from the enforcement team, a retrospective application for the retention of the buildings was submitted.

READ MORE: Sir Jim Ratcliffe interested in buying Manchester United

"The buildings are larger and provide more accommodation than a standard domestic shed.

"However, the size of the accommodation needs to be assessed in the context of the size and character of the gardens and estate grounds.

One of the designs submitted by Sir Jim Ratcliffe during his battle to secure consent for a seafront mansion at Thorns Beach, near Beaulieu (Image: Martini archive)

"The sheer size of the gardens means there is an inevitable requirement for significant amounts of garden equipment and a consequent need for substantial amounts of storage.

"The applicant also places very great value on home-produced garden produce.

"As part of this, he has commenced beekeeping at the site and has established a number of beehives to supply himself and his family with honey.

"The beekeeping activities necessitate the provision of an indoor storage area for the processing of honey and the storage of beekeeping equipment.

READ MORE: Ineos boss faces new planning battle over his estate at Thorns Beach, near Beaulieu

"The size of these buildings is both proportionate and necessary. There is a genuine and functional need for the amount of covered storage these buildings provide."

But the application has sparked an objection from a Lymington resident who says Sir Jim has "overdeveloped" the site.

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