Founder of Capita in planning row over 'overly large' six-bed house next door that he claims will overshadow his own mansion in Surrey 'millionaire's playground' estate

The founder of Capita is in a planning row over an 'overly large' six-bedroom house next door that he claims will overshadow his own mansion in a 'millionaire's playground' estate in Surrey.

Sir Rodney Aldridge and his wife Lady Carol have said that the proposed mansion in Oxshott 'will overlook neighbouring properties' and 'seems to be overly large for the size of the plot'.

The charity chairman co-signed a letter with his wife, accusing the developer who was applying for planning permission of trying to maximise the commercial value of the plot.

Planning documents show Stately Homes Limited's Paul Binney was applying to demolish the existing home to create a two-storey, six-bedroom house with 'rooms in the roof, an external swimming pool, ancillary accommodation and parking'.

Sir Rodney (pictured left) and his wife Lady Carol Aldridge have said that the proposed mansion in Oxshott, Surrey, 'seems to be overly large for the size of the plot'

The proposed elevation of the front of the home in Oxshott. Planning documents show Stately Homes Limited's Paul Binney was applying to demolish the existing home

Lavish detail could be seen in a front elevation plan which showed a red-brick home with columns at the entrance and more than a dozen tall windows looking out on to the 0.2 hectare site.

But the plans had met resistance from Sir Rodney and Lady Carol, who submitted a letter of opposition on December 22, asking that the plans receive 'proper deliberation' at the planning committee.

Sir Rodney, who was named in the Sunday Times Rich List last year as being worth £135million, founded Capita which is now an international company with lucrative armed forces training and recruitment contracts.

He and Lady Carol now run the Aldridge Foundation, an educational charity which promotes academy schools in England and encourages entrepreneurship among young people.

The millionaire said to planners: 'It appears that some elements of the design, will overlook neighbouring properties.

'The design for the property seems to be overly large for the size of the plot and not in keeping with other designs of properties on the same road.

'The design is driven more by the desire to maximise the commercial value than bearing in mind any regards for the size of the plot and it being in keeping with other properties on the estate.'

In 2012, the Aldridges had won permission to build an extended wing including an orangery at their own extensive home, despite objections from the Birds Hill Oxshott Estate Company, a committee which considered all the applications on the estate.

The proposed elevation of the rear of the home, which Mr Binney was applying to turn into a two-storey property with rooms in the roof and an outdoor swimming pool

The proposed elevation of the side of the property in Surrey. Sir Rodney said to planners: 'It appears that some elements of the design, will overlook neighbouring properties'

Yesterday the couple said that the Birds Hill Oxshott Estate Company had also opposed Stately Homes Ltd's plans, but no changes had been made by the applicant in response to the complaints.

A letter submitted to Elmbridge Borough Council in Surrey by Roger Adams of ADM Architecture in support of the plans said: 'The proposal provides for a form of development that is in keeping with the established character and appearance of the surrounding area in terms of size, scale, layout, height and design.

'The siting of the new dwelling has taken into account the location of adjacent dwellings and ensures that the proposal will not result in any loss of amenity to occupants of adjoining properties.

'The proposed replacement dwelling is fully in accordance with Elmbridge Borough Council Core Strategy and Local plan and therefore should be approved..'

Elmbridge Borough Council is accepting comments on the application until January 3 next year, when it is expected to consider the proposals in detail.