Helen Lowe Faces 2-Year Penalty After Contempt Conviction Over Hidden Barn Home
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jun 11
Helen Lowe Faces 2-Year Penalty After Contempt Conviction Over Hidden Barn Home
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 11
Summary
Nottingham County Court found Helen Lowe guilty of contempt after she failed to remove an unauthorised dwelling concealed inside a Derbyshire barn; sentencing is set for Aug. 18.
Derbyshire Dales District Council said Lowe ignored a 2024 court order and earlier planning enforcement dating to 2020, after the Planning Inspectorate dismissed her appeal in 2022 and ordered the structure demolished.
£10,000 in costs were awarded to the council, which said Lowe could face up to two years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both for continued non-compliance.
Lowe, 59, said the council showed "no compassion," arguing health problems, bereavement and a broken femur delayed removal and that the building would comply under Class Q rule changes introduced in May 2024.
The council said the case showed the consequences of bypassing planning permission and hoped the guilty verdict would deter other breaches.