Lib Dem peer in row over ‘bling’ new-build plans sells up for £11m

Lord Marks of Henleyon-Thames provoked howls of protest when he unveiled plans to erect a six- bedroom house on a plot of land in oxfordshire.

Neighbours variously denounced his proposals as ‘ Footballers’ Wives styling’, ‘an ostentatious folly and carbuncle’ and ‘ russian oligarch meets Los Angeles bling’.

But, undaunted, the Liberal democrat peer eventually secured planning permission and is now, I can disclose, on the point of selling his sumptuous nearby Georgian mansion — where he and his wife, Medina, have lived for over a decade — for more than £11 million.

His impending departure will no doubt be welcomed by his antagonists in the local village of Binfield Heath, which has, at different times, been home to the late robert Hardy and American Psycho star Christian Bale.

After initially failing to secure planning permission for his two-storey new-build, which the local council rejected on the grounds that it would be ‘intrusive’, Lord Marks, a distinguished barrister, fought a fierce rearguard action.

Arguing that it hardly deserved ‘ pejorative references to “Nouveau riche”, “dallas”, “Southfork”, “LA bling” ’, the 66-year-old peer launched an appeal — and won.

He then sold the two-and-a-half-acre plot with planning permission for a reported £2.95 million. After the sale was safely completed — but before the contentious new- build could be constructed by the buyers — he put his own house, Holmwood, a Georgian gem that has been extensively renovated, on the market.

Each of its 11 bedrooms has an ensuite bathroom, a cinema and gym have been installed, and there’s an infinity pool in its 26.6 acres of grounds.

Little wonder, then, that estate agents Savills suggested that it might appeal to ‘international buyers’ who travel in and out of Heathrow, less than 30 miles away. Lord and Lady Marks declined to comment.