A wealthy accountant and his wife are staring down the barrel of a potential prison sentence after a spectacular planning breach that saw them build a colossal 10,000 square foot leisure complex in their back garden—without a shred of planning permission.
Graham Wildin, 70, has been embroiled in a near-decade-long legal battle with Forest of Dean District Council after he constructed the extravagant 'man cave' in 2014. The complex, built at his home in Cinderford, Gloucestershire, boasts a slew of luxury amenities that would rival any commercial venue.
Inside the illicit luxury complex, authorities found:
- A full-sized bowling alley
- A private cinema room
- A casino area for high-stakes games
- A bar and spacious seating area
- An array of other entertainment facilities
Despite a series of court orders and a previous suspended prison sentence, Wildin has persistently refused to comply with demands to demolish the structure. His defiance has now reached a critical point, with a judge at Cardiff Crown Court warning that imprisonment is the "only option left" to secure his compliance.
The court heard that Wildin had gone to great lengths to avoid the consequences, even removing the roof and claiming the building was no longer in use. However, council officials provided compelling evidence, including aerial photographs and testimony from a former employee, proving the complex was still fully operational and being used regularly.
Judge Ian Hobbs was unequivocal in his ruling, stating Wildin had shown "wholesale disregard" for the law and the court's authority. He has been given a final deadline to fully dismantle the structure and restore the property to its original condition. Failure to do so will result in his immediate incarceration.
This case serves as a stark warning to homeowners about the severe consequences of flouting UK planning laws, demonstrating that no one is above the law, regardless of their wealth or the scale of their project.
