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Centuries of British tradition has been swept away because a builder was just too cheeky. Robert Fidler (real name), 60, secretly built his dream home and cunningly hid it behind tarpaulin, disguising it as a haystack. He lived in it for four years. It was a flagrant attempt to take advantage of a loophole in local planning regulations which, in theory, means that buildings erected without permission to be declared legal if no objections are made after four years.

He even allowed a TV programme to be made about the castle.

But a judge in the High Court ruled that the building, near Redhill, Surrey was unlawful and that Fidler could not benefit from his deception. The castle, its conservatory, marquee, bridge, patio, decking and tarmac racecourse (yes really) will now be knocked down.
“This was a blatant attempt to flout the law,” said a spokesman for Reigate and Banstead Borough Council. Mr Fidler will of course, appeal.