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.”