The demolition of a mock Tudor castle built without planning permission in Surrey's greenbelt is almost finished. Farmer Robert Fidler constructed the house in Salfords and concealed it behind hay bales for four years before it was discovered.
Reigate Council issued the first enforcement order nearly a decade ago, sparking a lengthy legal battle. Last November, the High Court gave Mr Fidler a three-month suspended sentence, warning he would face jail if the property was not demolished by 6 June.
Demolition work is now nearly complete. The council has contacted Mr Fidler to request a four-week adjournment at Monday's court hearing, allowing extra time to remove the patio and garden. A council spokesman stated: 'Given the progress made, we have contacted Mr Fidler with a view to making an application to the court for a four-week adjournment.'
The council will conduct a further site inspection before Monday's hearing to provide a full update. It will then be for Mr Justice Dove to decide the next course of action.
