A pair who built an underground residence in the countryside without obtaining planning permission faced legal action for disregarding numerous council directives.
Garry Braund and Tina Thorne persistently ignored council admonitions concerning their property at Honey Hill, Snapper, choosing to expand their unauthorized construction over a span of nine years. North Devon Council reported that the couple received a planning enforcement notice in December 2016 after authorities found the land being used as a residence with caravans, sheds, and a new vehicle access point that posed a safety hazard on a blind bend road.
At a court hearing in Exeter County Court on Tuesday, March 24, the duo admitted to four violations of failing to adhere to the enforcement notice.
According to a spokesperson, despite multiple warnings and chances to comply, Braund and Thorne continued their breaches for nearly a decade. During this time, the unauthorized development grew more extensive, including the expansion of residential usage, additional structures, and the establishment of an underground dwelling.
In a recent statement, the council confirmed that Braund and Thorne’s actions constituted persistent and intentional non-compliance, resulting in a suspended 42-day prison sentence for both individuals, contingent on them refraining from reoccupying the land or attempting to reverse their non-compliance with the enforcement notice.
Additionally, they were ordered to cover £8,088 in costs for three recent hearings. Overall, the council disclosed that it has incurred total costs surpassing £30,000, currently being pursued through charging orders against the property. A 2024 enforcement notice on the council’s website indicated that warrants had been issued, and the site had been inspected alongside police escorts.
The notice mentioned that a site visit on August 9, 2024, confirmed the presence of engineering activities, earthworks, and ongoing development, including the construction of a subterranean residential structure where the offenders were residing. The site owners acknowledged the planning violations and admitted to living on the premises, which had been concealed under branches and camouflage netting to evade detection.
The council’s notice emphasized that the location falls within a protected countryside area, subject to stringent development regulations aimed at preserving the area’s natural beauty and sustainability.
Councilor Malcolm Prowse, responsible for regeneration, economic development, and planning, underscored the importance of upholding planning regulations to safeguard the environment for all residents. He commended the dedication of council officers in bringing the prolonged case to a resolution, reaffirming the council’s commitment to enforcing regulations even in complex cases to protect communities and maintain the integrity of the planning system.