The saga began in August 2021 when Ingram-Moores applied for planning permission for an L-shaped Captain Tom Foundation building “for the use of the occupants…and the Captain Tom Foundation”, which obtained permission.

But in February of last year, the family submitted revised plans for a larger building, already partially built, that included a whirlpool, reportedly 50 feet by 20 feet, bathrooms, changing rooms and a kitchen “for private use.” .

This revised plan was rejected by the city council after residents who did not see the building claimed it was an “eyesore”.

charity under investigation

Legal documents from the council to the Planning Inspectorate say that “the size and scale of the unauthorized building have an adverse impact on the amenities of neighboring dwellings”.

The council said there was a “significant difference between the two schemes”.

Captain Tom raised £39m for the NHS during the first Covid lockdown by hanging around his garden, initially hoping to raise £1,000. He died at the age of 100 in 2021.

A foundation, “inspired by the outpouring of goodwill and generosity,” was created in his name in May 2020, with the intention of promoting causes “close to his heart.”

He has since said that he was unaware of Mr. and Mrs. Ingram-Moore’s use of the name Captain Tom in their planning applications.

The Captain Tom Foundation said: “At no time were the independent trustees of the Captain Tom Foundation aware of planning permissions made by Mr and Mrs Ingram-Moore purporting to be in the name of the foundation.

“Had they been made aware of any requests, the independent trustees would not have authorized them.”

The Charity Commission has opened a legal inquiry into the charity over concerns about a possible “significant profit” generated by a company owned by Mr and Mrs Ingram-Moore.