Farmer spared jail but told to knock down his mock Tudor castle

Robert Fidler outside his mock Tudor castle in Surrey (file photo) Credit: PA

A Surrey farmer who refused to demolish a mock Tudor castle he built without planning permission has avoided going to jail.

Robert Fidler, 66, was given a three-month suspended sentence and ordered to knock down the building by June 2016.

Mr Fidler built the four-bedroom home in Honeycrock Farm, Salfords, 15 years ago - even though he did not get permission from the Reigate and Banstead Borough Council.

He hid the building behind hay bales during construction, hoping to take advantage of a legal loophole that allows structures to remain if there has not been any objection within a certain time period.

But in 2007 the council ordered the building be torn down.

Mr Fidler used hay bales to hide his home while it was being built Credit: Reigate and Banstead Borough Council

In 2010, the High Court backed the council's decision. But Mr Fidler has so far refused to comply with the order.

As a result, a government planning inspector began contempt of court proceedings against Mr Fidler.

The mock Tudor castle was built without local planning permission Credit: PA

The inspector ruled out allowing the building to stay, because it was in breach of national and local planning rules designed to protect the green belt.

Today, the High Court again ordered the building to be demolished and warned Mr Fidler that he must comply with the ruling.

Mr Fidler made no comment as he left the court.