A CONTROVERSIAL Grand Designs project that left neighbours living under scaffolding for five years has still never been lived in.
The dramatic glass-fronted clifftop mansion in Flamborough, East Yorkshire, has been dubbed a “glorified greenhouse” by fed-up locals.
The coastal mansion was branded ‘absolute rubbish’ by one neighbour[/caption]
The £550,000 property was built by millionaire shopping centre tycoon Zahid Iqbal, 61, and his wife Ferzana, 57, and was hailed “breathtaking” by Kevin McCloud when it aired on the Channel 4 show last year.
What began as a 10-month project in 2019 to transform a derelict coastguard’s tower into a sleek, modern retreat with sweeping views of the North Sea has dragged on for half a decade.
The glass-walled home near Flamborough Head has been plagued by planning disputes, delays, and a catalogue of construction blunders—from ill-fitting glass panels to missed emails about vital bird-proofing.
For much of that time, neighbouring cottages were overshadowed by towering scaffolding.
Now, nearly a year after the Grand Designs episode aired, the property remains unoccupied, and speculation is growing locally that the house may soon be up for sale.
One of the most affected neighbours, 83-year-old Vic Crosthwaite, shares a party wall with the ultra-modern structure and became a sympathetic figure for viewers after his home was dwarfed by the build.
“We understood they would be moving in—but there’s been no sign of them,” he said.
“I’ve seen them once, going for a coffee, and that was it. There’s talk they’ll sell it, but it’s just sat empty.”
Mr Crosthwaite added that the building still feels unfinished and that promised privacy measures, such as tinted windows overlooking his patio and bedroom, were never put in place.
“You can practically see into my bedroom from their staircase,” he said.
The Iqbals, who purchased the site at auction for £175,000, reportedly invested around £375,000 into the build. The project was nearly derailed when a planning officer halted work, citing that the original coastguard structure—apart from one wall—had been entirely demolished, contrary to the approved conversion plans.
A revised application was later granted, allowing the family to continue.
However, bad weather, the pandemic, and the departure of their son Yusuf—who had been leading the project—further slowed progress.
Guy Raynor-Edwards, 63, said: “It’s just sat there. No one comes or goes. It feels like it was built just to show off.”
Another neighbour, 80-year-old Lee Dell, didn’t hold back: “It’s a glorified greenhouse. Absolute rubbish.
“There are doors on the upper floors with no balconies—someone could walk out and fall straight onto the golf course.
“Somebody ought to knock it down.”
Concerns also remain about whether the property complies with building regulations.
Neighbours have pointed out potential safety issues, including external doors with no balconies and a staircase missing a balustrade.
A resident who gave her name only as Jen added: “It’s architecturally impressive, sure, but completely in the wrong place.
“If it were ten miles down the road with no neighbours, it might have worked. But not here, not in a historic village.”
Mr Iqbal previously defended the build, describing it as “a place for the family” and “the first Grand Designs that’s a second home.”
Speaking last year, he told the Yorkshire Post: “It’s not about the building—it’s about the views. I wanted to build something that creates discussion.”
Visitors to the area still stop to peer at the house made famous by TV.
Nigel and Sue Lenton, holidaying from Somerset, admired the design but expressed disappointment that it remains unused.
“It’s such a shame no one’s living in it,” said Sue, 76. “Given how much it must have cost, it just feels like a bit of a white elephant.”
It overlooks a golf course and many say it has been left in an unfinished state[/caption]
The couple purchased the site at auction for £175,000, reportedly invested around £375,000 into the build[/caption]
Concerns also remain about whether the property complies with building regulations[/caption]
The house has been plagued by planning disputes, delays, and a catalogue of construction blunders[/caption]
