Planning battle ends as farmer who built castle complies with notices

A decade-long planning enforcement battle over the building of a mock Tudor castle without permission has come to an end this week.

Robert Fidler built the house behind straw bales at Honeycrock Farm in Salfords in 2006. Reigate & Banstead District Council issued an enforcement notice the following year.

There then followed an extensive legal battle. In November 2015 Mr Justice Dove ruled that Fidler was in contempt of court, sentencing him to three months in prison, suspended for six months.

In a statement Reigate & Banstead District Council said: “Following our visit to Honeycrock Farm yesterday (Wednesday 29 June 2016) we are satisfied that Mr Fidler has complied with the requirements of the outstanding enforcement notices.

“We have updated the High Court and the Judge has vacated the hearing scheduled for Monday 4 July. This now brings matters to a close.

“We have previously given Mr Fidler advice about his options for lawfully providing accommodation in other buildings on his site.”