Adrian Bayford, the fortunate winner of a £148 million Euromillions jackpot, is channeling his wealth into a commendable project: the creation of a special needs school at a luxurious country estate he purchased after his win.
Since his lottery triumph in 2012, Bayford has been a regular fixture in the media, not only for his newfound fortune but also for his vibrant personal life, including a well-publicized divorce from his then-wife Gillian and a series of four subsequent engagements.
Now, however, Bayford is making headlines for a different reason. He is turning his attention to philanthropy, planning to establish a special needs education and adventure complex on his £6.5 million property in Cambridgeshire. This move signifies his desire to make a lasting impact on the community.
Plans submitted this February detail his intentions to transform the outbuildings of Horseheath Lodge, his Grade II-listed mansion in Linton, into a site dedicated to special education. The proposal outlines the conversion, rebuilding, and demolition of existing agricultural structures to benefit local charities, schools, and the broader community, while also incorporating necessary infrastructure like landscaping, parking, and drainage.
This initiative comes after Bayford decided to abandon a previous plan to develop a children’s theme park on the same estate, following feedback and criticism from planning consultees last year.
Last year, Mr Bayford scrapped plans for a children’s theme park at the same location after it was criticised by planning consultees.
But this time around all council departments, such as ecology, conservation, transport and environmental health, plus Natural England, have given their approval subject to conditions and a tweaking of plans. This suggests there are no barriers for the council to give the green light to the plans.
One of those conditions is that because nine species of bats were found in the area, Mr Bayford’s team will have to obtain a Natural England European protected species mitigation licence before any work begins. This will have to include 10 bat boxes and owl boxes.
Adrian Bayford and his then-wife Gillian celebrate winning £148m on the EuroMillions lottery back in 2012
An aerial view of Mr Bayford’s £6.5million estate in Cambridgeshire, where he now plans to build a special educational centre
Mr Bayford bought Horseheath Lodge in Linton for £6.5million after winning the lottery
The design and access statement attached to the submission to Greater Cambridge Shared Planning explained the ambitious project further, saying: ‘The applicant is seeking to repurpose a redundant farmyard which can be used by the local community, charities and schools.
‘It is intended that the site shall serve as a vital educational destination that fosters inclusivity and engagement for all learners, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), lower socioeconomic backgrounds, vulnerable groups, and home learners.’
Since his big win, Mr Bayford’s life has been under media scrutiny and friends have been reported as saying that he wished he’d never scooped the top prize.
Now the multimillionaire is giving back by helping children who suffer from mental health issues and come from poorer backgrounds.
Filed documents added that the centre will be ‘immersing students in nature enhancing sensory experiences and providing a calming environment that will reduce anxiety and improve focus’.
Plans reveal proposals for studios, a classroom, an event space and a section for livestock, which had previously been housed in a main barn.
Two of the more dilapidated buildings are set to be demolished.
The largest two buildings will be a ‘multi-use space for education purposes’ and ‘an open-sided barn in which educational groups can sit to have demonstrations, teaching, and forest school activities.’
The application proposed in February stated Mr Bayford’s wishes for a: ‘conversion, rebuild(ing) and demolition of existing agricultural buildings for use by the local community and local charities and schools and other associated infrastructure including landscaping, parking and drainage’
Pictured: documents show the proposed remodelling of existing outbuildings into studios and storage, as well as an ‘exhibition and/or meeting event space’
The plans submitted to the council show the 55-year-old’s ambitions for the outbuildings (circled)
The design and access statement says that it is not intended to be a school, but ‘it will provide land and buildings to support a range of educational needs’.
The statement added that the scheme was devised with input from local parish councils, schools and charities.
It read: ‘In addition to this, it is anticipated that the site will be of interest to mainstream schools and local community groups which may rent the land and buildings to provide a base for activities such as Forest School and outdoor learning, educational visits and use of the buildings for exhibitions and/or events space.
‘The outdoor setting will offer experiential learning opportunities that cater to diverse learning styles, enabling SEND learners to develop essential skills in a supportive atmosphere.
‘Throughout the design process, the applicant has proactively engaged with the local community, including meetings with the adjacent Parish Councils, schools and local charities.
‘Their input has and will continue to help shape the proposals to deliver a development which will provide significant economic, social and environmental benefits.’
