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A farmer found guilty of contempt of court for keeping a concealed dwelling within an agricultural barn has criticized the council involved in the legal action against her, accusing them of showing “no compassion.” Helen Lowe, who lives at North Park Farm in Darley Dale, built the hidden home without obtaining planning permission. The local council, Derbyshire Dales District Council, described the structure as “deliberately concealed to avoid detection.”
Lowe faced repeated orders from the council to demolish the unauthorized building but did not comply. After failing to adhere to the enforcement notice, the council pursued court action, resulting in a conviction for contempt of court during a trial at Nottingham County Court in May. She now awaits sentencing scheduled for 18 August, with the potential consequences including up to two years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both. Additionally, the council was awarded £10,000 in costs due to her failure to comply.
The enforcement process began in February 2020 when officers launched an investigation following reports of a possible breach. Lowe appealed against an enforcement notice at the government’s Planning Inspectorate, but her appeal was dismissed in February 2022. The inspector instructed her to stop using the barn as a home and ordered the removal of the unauthorized structure and extension. Despite a court order in September 2024 mandating the cessation of occupancy and demolition of the dwelling, Lowe continued living there and did not carry out the required work. This led the council to seek contempt proceedings in July 2025.
Lowe maintains she did not ignore the council’s orders and described the dwelling as a practical solution for monitoring her sheep during lambing season, rather than a luxury residence. She pointed out that delays in removal were caused by personal challenges, including hand surgery and the death of her mother. Lowe also claims she was confident about keeping the structure legally following changes to the Town and Country Planning Order 2015, which came into effect in May 2024 and relaxed rules on converting agricultural buildings into homes. However, the council issued an injunction against her in March 2024, before these new rules were introduced. She further accused the council of pressing on with enforcement actions despite her hospitalization after a fall, during which she broke her femur and was unable to walk for several months. The council, for its part, emphasized that the case highlights the importance of adhering to planning regulations to maintain fairness and warned that such enforcement actions are necessary to deter others from breaching the rules
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