Mark and Katie Gorman's dream of creating their perfect family home has turned into a financial nightmare after their local council performed a devastating U-turn on previously approved planning permission.
The Dream That Became a Burden
The couple had meticulously planned their self-build project in a picturesque village, investing their life savings and securing a substantial mortgage to create what should have been their forever home. With full planning permission granted by West Lindsey District Council, they proceeded with confidence, never anticipating the bureaucratic earthquake that would follow.
Council's Shocking Reversal
Just as construction was underway, the council abruptly revoked the planning permission, leaving the Gormans facing catastrophic consequences. The decision has stranded them with a property they cannot complete and a mortgage they cannot sustain without being able to live in the home.
"We're absolutely devastated," Mark revealed. "We followed every procedure correctly, obtained all necessary permissions, and now we're facing financial ruin because the council changed their mind."
Financial Freefall
The couple's situation highlights the precarious nature of self-build projects in Britain's complex planning system:
- Massive mortgage payments with no habitable property
- Life savings completely exhausted
- Legal costs mounting as they fight the decision
- Nowhere to live with their young family
A Warning to Other Aspiring Self-Builders
This case has sent shockwaves through the self-build community, raising serious questions about the reliability of planning decisions and the protections available to homeowners who follow due process.
"This isn't just about us," Katie explained. "This could happen to anyone investing in their dream home. The system needs to change to protect people who are trying to do everything by the book."
The couple continues to fight the decision while facing an uncertain future, their dream home standing incomplete as a monument to planning permission unpredictability.
