UK’s ‘largest man cave’ torn down after locals blast ‘eyesore’ | UK | News | EUROtoday

The UK’s “biggest man cave” is lastly being demolished, as work has begun to tear down the “eyesore” constructing.

On Friday, work commenced to demolish the non-public leisure complicated that millionaire accountant Graham Wildin had constructed illegally behind his house within the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire.

Wildin, 72, has served a jail sentence over his refusal to take away the huge “man cave” and now, after repeatedly flouting orders from native planners and the court docket, the Forest of Dean Council has begun demolition work.

In 2014, Wildin constructed a large constructing at his house, housing a cinema, tenpin bowling alley, and on line casino, with out acquiring planning permission.

A Forest of Dean District Council spokesperson mentioned: “As a Council it is our duty to ensure that planning and development proposals comply with the law and bring benefit to the local area, whilst also safeguarding the community.

“Hundreds of people every year follow the correct process for planning applications and development, sadly this has not been the case at this location.

“It is important to note that the cost of this process should not be borne by the taxpayer, and we will look to recover the full cost of the demolition from the landowner in due course.

“We will work closely with our demolition contractor, to limit any disruption for residents. We would like to also take this opportunity to thank the people living in close proximity to this property for their patience during this lengthy legal process.”

The spokesperson mentioned the positioning had been secured yesterday with demolition deliberate over the subsequent six to eight weeks.

“This follows a prolonged authorized course of the place Defendant Graham Wildin acquired a number of court docket orders to demolish the constructing and served time in jail for contempt of court docket,” said the spokesperson.

“The web site’s historical past, in short, is that Wildin first took steps to assemble a leisure centre within the again backyard of one among two adjoining homes he then owned at Meendhurst Road in November 2013, prompting a member of the general public to submit a grievance to the Forest of Dean District Council.

“Shortly after the start of construction various Council officers advised Wildin that the proposed building was not ‘permitted development’ and required planning permission.

“Construction continued regardless of Wildin being knowledgeable of the dangers, together with monetary penalties.”

Following a sequence of warnings, the council obtained an injunction towards Wildin in November 2018, giving him till April 25, 2020, to demolish the leisure constructing.

In June 2022, throughout authorized proceedings initiated by the Forest of Dean District Council, Wildin was present in contempt of court docket for failing to adjust to the injunction.

The choose sentenced him to 6 weeks of imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, on the situation that the constructing be completely stripped and decommissioned inside 18 weeks.

Wildin subsequently appealed the choice, however the enchantment was dismissed. He was then given till March 10, 2022, to adjust to the Order to finish the required work to keep away from jail.

The spokesperson added: “In March 2023 Wildin appealed the prison sentence. This was also dismissed. The latest deadline for Wildin to comply with the injunction expired in early January 2023.

“In the absence of compliance by Wildin officers have now progressed to the subsequent stage of enforcement motion, which has began on May 31.”