Couple Ordered to Demolish House - any update?

For someone with your username, it seems a bit strange that you would want to do away with the exemption that allows communities to continue and survive. There are basically two options:

1) The default of no more self builds with no exemptions

2) The default of no more self-builds with local needs exemptions

We currently have (2). If you do away with the exemption, then you are on (1)

You may be fantasizing about an imagined third option along the lines of

3) Anyone can build where and what they want when they want.

But that would be nonsense. That ain't gonna happen

Why? Its not offensive stuff so whats the problem?

All offences are criminal offences! As already posted, the literal definition of "offence" is "a crime".

Perhaps you are confusing the historic "Indictable and Non-Indictable" offences? In any case, both are classifications of criminal offence.

Must have a nosey at the house next time I'm over that way.

Wont that just encourage people to try and get away with it?

Agreed, but I wouldnt call your proposal "enforcement" considering the house isnt supposed to exist!

What makes you think that?

There was an update in June 2023. They were back in court to challenge one of the reasons for rejection of the original planning permission/retention. It was around the undertakings given by previous land owner to "sterilise" the lands from development. Apparently he hadn't the authority to give such a legal binding as the land was jointly owned at the time. So they are seeking yet another injuction from the court to stay off demolition. I believe they are offering to demolish part of the building if they can retain a house there.

It will of course.

Monkey see, monkey do.

Hopefully that family will be allowed to live their lives in peace. They built a family home and are not looking for the state to provide a free house.

If their neighbours have not objected, it should not be demolished. Politicians, bankers and the church have done so much worse with no consequences.

The fake outrage from the anonymous curtain twitches here is very entertaining so please don't stop 😁

Whilst I agree with the sentiment that would be a dangerous precedent to set when it comes to planning. The house simply should not have been built. At the same time pragmatism needs to prevail. They should absolutely have to resubmit plans to the council for a more modest type of dwelling. If approved they should then have to implement those plans. I don't think the house should be fully knocked but they can't be let away with it either. I'd bet anything though nothing will happen. Based on that why would anyone bother with planning permission if the council won't enforce court orders.

For most of human history, that is precisely how things worked. Nowadays buildings built like that get preservation orders slapped on them and are made national monuments with penalties for altering their character or demolishing them.

That's a moot point. It was refused. Public opinion here is important. If they had of built the house to the original plans submitted they would have the public on their side. But they took on a vanity project instead. I can't see the house being knocked but I do see the council pursuing them for enforcement. I can't imagine the stress the family are under with the hanging over them with no end in site. Knowing that at potentially any stage the court orders can be enforced is no way to live really.