A Dispute Emerges between a Dubai Sheikh and a Village near Staines: Outrage Erupts as Billionaire Erects Fence and Cabins on £75m Surrey Estate
Tensions are running high in a conflict involving local residents, a billionaire ruler from Dubai, and his security guards at his £75m Surrey estate.
The picturesque Longcross estate, located near Chobham in Surrey, was acquired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in the 1990s as a retreat from the scorching Gulf summer heat.
However, locals have expressed their anger over recent construction projects undertaken by the Sheikh and his security guards.
Sheikh Mohammed, who faced controversy surrounding the alleged detention of his daughter Princess Latifa, recently emerged victorious in a planning dispute with local authorities regarding the development of two semi-underground warehouses.
According to planning documents obtained by MailOnline, the Sheikh's planning agents justified the warehouses as necessary to accommodate the belongings of his entourage, consisting of nearly 300 staff members. The proposed structures would feature three floors, including two basement levels.
The planning documents state: "The applicant owns and manages a significant number of substantial properties in the area. The proposed buildings would serve as storage facilities for maintaining the estate and other properties owned by the applicant."
The agents further elaborate: "The [Longcross] estate employs administrative, maintenance, gardening, security, housekeeping, stable personnel, cooks, chauffeurs, etc."
The stored items would include vehicles used by Sheikh Mohammed's private security, agricultural machinery, and furniture from the estate's properties.
However, flooding experts from Surrey County Council raised concerns about the lack of provisions for water drainage and objected to the proposed development. They emphasized that the submitted drainage scheme did not meet the requirements outlined in national planning regulations.
In their objection letter, the council officers stated: "The submitted calculations, although seemingly acceptable for controlling surface water, do not align with the proposed drainage plan. The flow control indicated in the hydraulic calculations is not identified in the proposed drainage plan. Additionally, the proposed drainage in the southern area of the new building could be improved."
The letter further highlighted the absence of details regarding the existing watercourse running along the eastern and southern sides of the new building, expressing uncertainty about its future.
While Runnymede Borough Council granted planning permission for the development, they emphasized that the Sheikh's planning agents must submit the design details for a surface water drainage scheme for their approval before construction can commence.
The dispute between the Sheikh, his security guards, and the local community continues to escalate, with tensions mounting over the impact of the construction projects on the serene village near Staines.
Residents Express Concerns over Flooding Risk and Lack of Engagement from Dubai Sheikh
Daniel Harding, a local resident living near Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's Surrey estate, voiced his concerns about the potential flooding risk in the area and emphasized the need for any construction work to consider this factor. He also mentioned that he had seen the Prince's son in the vicinity but not the Sheikh himself, indicating a lack of engagement with the local community.
Another resident, who chose to remain anonymous, described the estate as the Sheikh's own little kingdom, where he carries out his activities without much interaction with the locals. This resident expressed confusion regarding the need for multiple warehouses on the estate.
Margaret Parker, a 66-year-old resident living outside the estate, was not surprised by the new development plans. She remarked that the estate seemed to prioritize complete privacy, which raised the question of why the Sheikh chose to reside in a village. Parker also mentioned friction and issues arising from conflicts between the guards and dog walkers who used a public footpath on the land.
In 2019, Sheikh Mohammed faced accusations of installing temporary homes for staff on his estate without obtaining planning permission. The concerned neighbor who reported this claimed that several portable buildings had been erected more than a year ago, along with recent additions of pagoda-style marquees. The neighbor questioned why there was no planning permission for the extensive residential accommodation modules.
During the same year, the Sheikh faced criticism for erecting a 6ft spiked metal fence around the estate, which some described as "prison-style." The security contractors responsible for the fence claimed that it was a response to incidents involving members of the public, including verbal abuse directed at the guards.
Locals also expressed disappointment over the impact of the massive fence, which obstructed previously stunning views of the grounds. Tom Barr, another resident, accused the Sheikh of disregarding planning procedures and disrespecting the planning process by continuing construction without permission.
The retrospective approval for the security barrier was eventually granted by Runnymede Council, with conditions requiring openings every 90ft to allow wildlife passage.
Sheikh Mohammed is widely known for his passion for horse racing and owns the renowned Godolphin stables. He has played a significant role in transforming Dubai into a modern city with iconic developments like the Palm Islands, the Burj Al-Arab hotel, and the Burj Khalifa skyscraper. Additionally, he co-founded Emirates Airlines, which sponsors football teams such as Arsenal and Paris St Germain.
The Sheikh, with an estimated fortune of £14 billion, has been married multiple times and reportedly has around 30 children. He faced controversy following allegations in 2018 that his daughter, Princess Latifa, was being held against her will in the United Arab Emirates, where he holds the position of vice-president. Princess Latifa later claimed to have escaped but was apprehended and returned to Dubai.
While MailOnline visited the area surrounding the estate to gather feedback from locals, two staff members employed by the Sheikh approached them in a 4x4 vehicle. The staff members inquired about the purpose of the visit and mentioned their role in protecting the Crown Prince due to perceived threats. They clarified that the Sheikh was not present at the moment.
MailOnline has reached out to Smech Properties, the Sheikh's property management company responsible for the Longcross estate, for comment.
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