Doctor Ordered to Demolish Mega-Garage After Losing Planning Battle
A doctor who constructed a colossal 'mega-garage' beside his small riverside cottage has been instructed to tear it down following a protracted planning dispute that revealed significant inconsistencies in his justifications. Dr Martin Rooke erected the vast L-shaped structure adjacent to Meadow Cottage, located near Warwick, without obtaining the necessary planning permission, asserting it was essential to accommodate a collection of classic cars.
Inspector's Ruling and Enforcement Timeline
In a decisive ruling dated 30 March 2026, a government planning inspector dismissed Dr Rooke's appeal and mandated that the building be demolished within a nine-month period. The enforcement notice at the core of this case was initially issued on 14 August 2018, following earlier unsuccessful attempts by the council to take action in October and November 2016, both of which were withdrawn due to technical errors. A site visit was conducted on 5 February 2026, preceding the final verdict delivered weeks later.
Scale and Dominance of the Structure
The controversy centres on the immense scale of the development. Meadow Cottage is a modest two-bedroom residence with a footprint of approximately 70 square metres, yet the outbuilding beside it extends across about 367 square metres, rendering it more than five times larger than the house itself. The inspector determined that the structure had become 'by far the dominant building on the land,' highlighting its disproportionate size.
Discrepancies in Use and Justification
Dr Rooke contended that the building was intended for a gym, workshop, and garaging for a collection of classic cars, with its design featuring 10 large garage-style openings suggesting capacity for up to 10 vehicles. However, the reality on site presented a stark contrast, as the ruling explicitly stated: 'Only one car is currently garaged in the building and no evidence whatsoever of a classic car collection has been provided.' The inspector further noted the 'apparent lack of any such use in all the time the building… has been available,' undermining Dr Rooke's claims.
Green Belt Concerns and Public Interest
The site, situated within the Green Belt, had attracted numerous complaints, reflecting local apprehension regarding the scale and nature of the development. Although the documents do not detail each objection individually, the inspector emphasised that there were 'public interest considerations' in enforcing action, particularly given the structure's substantial size and its environmental setting.
Historical Context and Previous Warnings
The case has a lengthy and convoluted history spanning years. Initial enquiries between 2008 and 2013 indicated that far smaller outbuildings were being contemplated, including garages, a pool, and storage facilities. In May 2011, Dr Rooke was cautioned that proceeding with works without permission would risk enforcement action. Despite this warning, the massive structure was constructed, leading to repeated enforcement efforts before the 2018 notice that ultimately culminated in this appeal.
Rejection of Permitted Development Argument
Dr Rooke attempted to argue that the building fell under permitted development rules, claiming it was incidental to the enjoyment of the home, but this argument was firmly rejected. The inspector concluded that the scale of the building, along with its extensive storage and office space, exceeded what could reasonably be expected for a small cottage. The ruling affirmed: 'It has not been demonstrated that the building… was required for purposes incidental to the enjoyment of Meadow Cottage.'
Outcome and Future Actions
With the appeal dismissed, the enforcement notice remains in full effect, requiring the sprawling outbuilding to be demolished and all resulting waste removed from the land within nine months. Dr Rooke declined to comment when approached by the Daily Mail, and Warwick District Council has been contacted for further input on the matter.
