A couple from Cheshire have been compelled to demolish their 'dream home' after a government inspector ruled it breached planning regulations. Ken and Barbara Mead were initially granted permission in 2012 for a warehouse on their land near Macclesfield, but began living in the building three years later.
Cheshire East Council stated that the couple disregarded their advice. The council issued enforcement notices in 2016, requiring the building to be 'demolished in its entirety'. A government inspector upheld the order in 2017, concluding that the structure had been 'constructed from the outset as a dwelling'.
The inspector's report noted features such as plastered walls, a 'domestic style' bathroom, doors, windows, and 'luxury' under-floor kitchen heating, deeming the building 'entirely unsuited to use as a warehouse'. A second enforcement notice was also upheld for changing the land's use without permission.
Mr Mead attributed the situation to mistakes by the council, claiming they provided incorrect information during the original planning application. Mrs Mead expressed devastation, stating, 'It was our dream really... we didn't have anywhere else to go'. The couple now live on a narrow boat funded by their children, who say the demolition costs will exhaust their parents' savings.
A Cheshire East Council spokesperson said they had made the planning contraventions 'very clear' to the couple, adding, 'The owners chose to ignore the council's advice and moved into the unauthorised dwelling'.
