A British businessman has been ordered to completely dismantle a secret residential flat he constructed inside his horse stables on a £2.25 million estate in the Cotswolds. James George, 54, a haulage boss, had lived in the compact one-bedroom living quarters for the past five years after an amicable separation from his partner, arguing that the setup allowed him to stay close to his young son. The property is located at Chalford Paddocks near Chipping Norton in rural Oxfordshire, close to well-known local landmarks.
The controversy began in November 2023 when George approached the West Oxfordshire District Council seeking a Certificate of Lawfulness for the conversion. He argued that the dwelling had existed long enough to be protected from planning enforcement action, given that residential use lacked formal prior approval. However, the council firmly rejected his application and issued an enforcement notice. Following an unsuccessful appeal, planning inspector David Jones granted him a six-month window to strip the stables of all fixtures, fittings, and residential infrastructure, returning the building to its original equine purpose.
During the proceedings, George maintained that he built the self-contained accommodation in 2014 while replacing dilapidated stables, initially intending it as a safe space for his late mother during her cancer treatment. He also noted that the flat had occasionally housed friends following divorces or family emergencies over the years. However, the core of the dispute hinged on proving continuous residential occupation. While George's legal team argued a four-year immunity rule, the inspector ruled that a ten-year threshold applied, and sufficient evidence was lacking to prove uninterrupted living for that entire duration.
The local council alleged that the dwelling had been deliberately concealed from authorities due to the absence of a separate postal address, lack of council tax registration, and its obscure positioning away from the main road view. Although the planning inspector rejected the claim of a deliberate, elaborate plan to deceive, he concluded that the structure was built unlawfully. George has since expressed frustration, accusing authorities of being influenced by jealousy while emphasizing his demanding work schedule to support his family.
While the timber stable block itself does not need to be demolished, the ruling dictates that all plumbing, insulation, plasterboard, and kitchen units must be removed, leaving George unable to retain even a toilet or a children's play area inside. The local council emphasized that planning regulations exist to protect communities and the environment, reinforcing that unauthorized property modifications must face appropriate legal consequences regardless of personal circumstances.
