IS AN ENGLISHMAN'S HOME REALLY HIS CASTLE?

A LEAMINGTON law firm is fighting for a farmer who secretly built – and lived in – a castle.

It took Robert Fidler, 60, two years to covertly build his dream home, complete with ramparts and a cannon, in Salfords, near Redhill, Surrey – but without planning permission from his local authority.

He kept the structure hidden behind walls made of straw bales and tarpaulin, before he revealed his home in May 2006.

Because he had built the castle in 2002, Mr Fidler thought he had become immune to planning enforcement controls, as it was four years since the building works had been completed.

But Reigate and Banstead Borough Council issued an enforcement notice in March 2007, ordering it to be demolished on the grounds it had been erected without planning permission.

That decision was upheld by the High Court.

Solicitor Pritpal Singh Swarn, of Wright Hassall, said Mr Fidler will appeal the decision.

Mr Swarn said: “Mr Fidler and his family have lived in their home for more than five years.

“Planning legislation states that if someone has substantially completed a property for more
than four years, they are immune from having the property knocked down.

“This case hinges on whether or not the removal of the bales of hay – which were already in position before construction had started – were necessary for the house to be completed.

“The council’s arguEment is that the removal of the bales of hay was a key part of the construction. We can’t understand how that could
be.

“Any building professional would tell you the removal of a haystack could play no part in any construction process, let alone the erection of a dwelling.

“The council has been determined to pursue this case, despite the fact not a single person has raised any objection to the property.

“It has been pursued at the expense of the taxpayer, which we find deeply regrettable, but Mr Fidler will continue to fight for the right to live in his home.”

DODDY ADDS HIS BACKING

COMEDY “stalwart” Ken Dodd is rallying support to save one of Leamington’s best-loved theatres.

Knotty Ash’s famous son has been entertaining audiences up and down the country for more than 55 years and recently returned for a show at the Royal Spa Centre in Newbold Terrace.

He received a standing ovation at the end of the night, but expressed his sadness at the recent threat of the centre’s closure.

Ken said: “I am so sad to learn that the Royal Spa Centre is under threat. I love theatre and have been coming to the Royal Spa Centre for many years.

“It is a charming place and I fear if it closes then the people of Leamington will never get anything like it back again.”

Ken urged the audience to object to the closure by writing to Warwick District Council.

He said he wanted to be entertaining audiences at the venue for many years to come.

Anthony Flint, director of external affairs at the theatre, said: “It’s really nice to have that compliment from someone who is a stalwart of the theatre and is absolutely right about what he’s said.

“Towns need a theatre so I’m glad Mr Dodd has shown his support.

“As I have said before, we now have 23 months to make the Royal Spa Centre as good as it can be for the good of Warwick District theatre.

“Mr Dodd’s support is very welcome.”

A BRIDGE TOO FAR

A WEBSITE designer is hoping to get his message across that he is not happy with the proposed design of a Kenilworth bridge – by coming up with his own.

Jon Foster-Smith, of New Street, Kenilworth, is calling on residents to give their true opinion on a bridge that will go over Coventry Road.

In 2007, Warwickshire County Council and Sustrans – a sustainable transport charity – secured a portion of £50million of Big Lottery Fund to develop the disused Kenilworth-Berkswell railway line and turn it into a leisure route.

They submitted a variety of designs last summer and opened a public consultation to gather
people’s opinion.

The most popular bridge (pictured below right) was picked and will go before a council meeting next month to get planning permission.

But Jon, who runs his own web design company called Shine Design, thinks the bridge has no character.

The 37-year-old said: “As a kid, I remember the landmarks I saw on a car journey as a child. Things like bridges were good at giving a place an identity, which is why I feel a sense of
embarrassment and concern that we are leaving little of value for future generations.

“To me, the proposed bridge would be more in keeping over the M40 than a gateway to our
town.

“It seems like something you can buy off the shelf, that will do the job and deter vandalism.

“This is why I’ve mocked up these designs to show what else could be done.”

A final report will be produced on February 9 and a public meeting is taking place at 10am on
February 23, in Shire Hall, Warwick.

Councillor John Whitehouse (Lib Dem, Kenilworth Abbey) said: “I am aware of Mr Foster-Smith’s views and think it’s great he’s expressing his opinion.

“But the general opinion of people that viewed the designs back in the summer at the Kenilworth library was in favour of this design.

“They wanted something simple, but if anyone has any objections then they can voice them at a meeting next week.”

For more information on the bridge plans visit www.connect2kenilworth.org.uk.

What do you think? Write to us or email timesletters@mrn.co.uk.

ANDREW DAVIES BECOMES PATRON OF LOFT THEATRE

BAFTA award-winning writer Andrew Davies has accepted an invitation to become the first ever
patron of Leamington’s Loft Theatre.

Mr Davies, who is the creator of television series A Very Peculiar Practice, is well known for his adaptations of literary classics including, Pride and Prejudice, starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle, Vanity Fair and Sense and Sensibility.

As honorary patron, Mr Davies will participate in special events and provide his experienced
advice to the cast.

Michael Rayns, chairman of the Loft Theatre, said: “The theatre has a long relationship with Andrew and we are delighted he has agreed to be our first ever patron.

“This comes at a very important time for the Loft as we will be moving into our new theatre within the next 18 months.”

The Loft Theatre’s current home in Victoria Colonnade will be moving to the former United Reformed Church, in Spencer Street.

Mr Davies, 74, said: “I am honoured and delighted to become patron of the Loft Theatre. I have, for many years, admired and enjoyed their productions and the Loft has premiered two of my plays, Prin and Rose.”

Mr Davies is also noted for his political thriller House of Cards, screenplays for both the Bridget
Jones films and lectures at Warwick University.

His experiences there led to writing his campus-based comedy series A Very Peculiar Practice.