A COUNCIL has responded to concerns about an illegal bungalow which sparked complaints from a celebrity neighbour in Beaconsfield.

Timber businessman Ian Caldwell, who commissioned a cabin to be built in Beaconsfield around ten years ago without planning permission, was told to demolish the structure by Buckinghamshire Council in February, 2021.

This was following complaints from neighbours including from Radio 2 presenter Vernon Kay who lives 300 yards away.

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The radio host, who lives with wife Strictly Come Dancing presenter Tess Daly in their £1.2million property, argued the two-bedroom cabin should not have been built in a secluded rural area.

However, Mr Caldwell appealed the enforcement notice and went to a public inquiry in November last year but this was dismissed and he was told to demolish the property by February next year.

Now, Mr Caldwell has taken his case to the High Court in London to seek permission to challenge the Planning Inspectorate decision to dismiss his appeal against the council’s enforcement notice.

After a short court hearing at the end of last month,  a Judge declared the case as ‘properly arguable’ giving Mr Caldwell, owner of Timberstore Ltd, permission to go for a full High Court appeal.

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Now, Buckinghamshire Council has confirmed it is aware of the proceedings but it is not actively involved.

Rachael Matthews, deputy cabinet member for town centre regeneration, said: “After a cabin was built without proper planning permission, Buckinghamshire Council issued an enforcement notice on February 23, 2021.

“The notice was appealed by Mr Caldwell and went to a Public Inquiry in November 2022. The appeal was dismissed, with the enforcement notice being upheld.

“Only minor variations were made to the council’s enforcement notice. The notice took effect on February 14, 2023 requiring compliance by February 14, 2024.

 “We understand that Mr Caldwell has challenged the Planning Inspectorate’s decision on his appeal through court proceedings.

“At this stage, the council is not involved, but will monitor the outcome and consider how it might affect the appeal decision, as well as any implications on the requirement to comply with the notice.

 “Any complaints sent to our planning enforcement team about this planning matter would be confidential."

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Mr Caldwell said he built the property for his site manager and family. If the court case, which will be heard at a later date, does not go in the 62-year-old's favour, he will have to level the £80,000 cabin and the family occupying it will be uprooted.