Chelsea striker Armando Broja ambitious plans to build a luxurious £4million dream home have been rejected by council officials.
The 22-year-old’s luxurious residence was rejected by planners who deemed the proposed development to be too big and out of character for the area.
What happened?
The 22-year-old Albanian international, currently on loan at Everton, had envisioned a grand five-bedroom property with a swimming pool, spa, cinema, and expansive garden on his private Surrey estate.
However, the proposal was rejected by Elmbridge Borough Council planners due to concerns regarding its size, scale, and massing according to The Sun.
Despite initial approval for a swimming pool and gym extension earlier this year, Broja’s revised plans to demolish the existing four-bedroom house and build a new one three times its size were objected.
The proposed new build was deemed “disproportionate, uncharacteristic, and incongruous” compared to neighboring properties, which feature mostly Arts and Crafts-style homes according to planning officer Joseph Kelly.
Council officials also criticized the design as “too stark” for the area and expressed concerns over the proposed entrance gates, which would give a “greater sense of enclosure.”
Planning officer Joseph Kelly said: “As a result of the significant increase in length and height, it is considered that the bulk, scale and massing of the proposed would far exceed that of the existing house it would replace and that of neighbouring properties.”
“The proposed replacement dwelling would fill most of the length of the plot which is not in keeping with the urban grain and pattern of buildings in the streetscape that are of low density in the local area.”
“Although the application site is a spacious plot, the proposed replacement house would be disproportionate, uncharacteristic and incongruous in its size and appearance compared with the existing house.”
While the development would not have adversely affected neighboring properties, the council ultimately ruled against it.
As it stands, Broja has six weeks to appeal the decision, leaving the fate of his dream home hanging in the balance.
Armando Broja’s tumultuous transfer saga and constant loan spells
Everton announced the signing of Chelsea striker Armando Broja on a loan deal for the 2024-25 season. This marks Broja’s fourth loan spell away from Chelsea, following previous stints at Vitesse, Southampton, and Fulham.
The 22-year-old Albanian international’s move to Everton comes after a tumultuous transfer saga, which saw a proposed loan to Ipswich Town collapse because of fitness concern.
Broja, who has been with Chelsea since joining their academy from Tottenham Hotspur in 2009, made his senior debut for the Blues in March 2020.
His Chelsea contract runs until 2028, and this loan move is seen as an opportunity for him to further his development and gain valuable playing experience.
Everton’s signing of Broja adds depth to their attacking lineup and provides manager Sean Dyche with another talented option up front.
Meanwhile, this move is seen as a win-win for both parties, allowing Broja to grow as a player while also bolstering Everton’s squad.
How much does Armando Broja earns?
As per the terms of his contract extension with the Blues, Broja earns a staggering £78,000 per week, translating to a basic annual salary of just over £4 million.
His football stats
Armando Broja was born in Slough, England, to Albanian parents and began his football career with Burnham Juniors.
He had trials with Reading and Fulham before joining Tottenham Hotspur’s academy at the age of 8. Two years later, he transferred to Chelsea’s academy, where he won several honors, including the U18 Premier League, U18 Premier League Cup, and FA Youth Cup.
Broja signed his first professional contract with Chelsea in 2020 and made his debut in a Premier League match against Everton.
He was then loaned to Vitesse for the 2020-21 season, where he scored ten goals and became their joint-top scorer. The following season, he was loaned to Southampton, where he scored his first Premier League goal and became the first Albanian player to do so.
In 2022, Broja signed a new long-term contract with Chelsea until 2028. He scored his first goal for the club against Wolverhampton Wanderers but suffered a knee injury that ruled him out for the rest of the 2022-2023 season.
In the 2023-24 season, he was loaned to Fulham, where he made his debut in a Premier League match against Burnley.
In the 2024-25 season, Broja was loaned to Everton on a season-long loan with an option to make the transfer permanent.
He has played 171 matches in his club career, scoring 44 goals and creating 11 assists.
Does Armando Broja play for England?
Due to his birthplace in England and Albanian heritage, Broja had the option to play for either national team.
However, in early 2019, he turned down the opportunity to join the England under-21 team as he was committed to representing Albania exclusively.
He has represented Albania in 36 matches, scoring six goals.
