James Perkins, a businessman who made his fortune promoting 1990s rave events, has clashed with local residents over his plans to build 82 new houses near his Dorset estate. Perkins intends to use proceeds from the housing development to fund the restoration of his sprawling country residence, which has been dubbed the "Buckingham Palace of Dorset" owing to its scale and grandeur. The dispute highlights recurring tensions between wealthy landowners seeking to finance ambitious private restoration projects and local communities concerned about the impact of large-scale housing development on their area.

Perkins, known for his eccentric interests including taxidermy, built his wealth during the acid house and rave boom of the 1990s. Neighbours have objected to the scale of the proposed 82-home scheme, viewing it as disproportionate to the area, while Perkins argues the development is essential to bankroll the extensive renovation works required at his grand Dorset property. The row reflects a broader pattern seen elsewhere in Britain, where owners of large historic or stately homes turn to adjacent property development to cover restoration costs, often provoking local opposition.