William Eichler 22 April 2025

Council spends £220k demolishing ‘man cave’

Council spends £220k demolishing ‘man cave’ image
© Allison H. Smith / Shutterstock.com.

Forest of Dean District Council was forced to spend £220,000 demolishing an illegally built leisure complex belonging to a millionaire.

Dubbed ‘Britain's biggest man cave’, the building housed a bowling alley, casino, and cinema and was constructed without planning permission.

A council spokesperson said efforts to recover the £220,000 from the landowner were ‘actively underway’.

They added: ‘These rules are in place to ensure development is carried out legally, safely, and in a way that protects our communities and shared environment.

‘When individuals choose to ignore these rules, they not only act unlawfully but place an unfair burden on the wider public.’

LocalGov Weekly Round Up image

LocalGov Weekly Round Up

A pivotal week for councils sees fresh devolution plans, new service pilots and key legal and political battles, writes LocalGov editor William Eichler.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Cleaner

Durham County Council
£24,796 (Pro rata)
Cleaner Grade 1, £24,796 (Pro rata) Permanent, part time. 12.5 hours per week Currently 3.30pm to 6pm Monday to Friday (subject to change depending on Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Outreach Support Assistant

Durham County Council
£32,597 - £36,363
Outreach Support Assistant x 6 Grade 8, £32,597 - £36,363 Permanent, full time. Required to start ASAP.   We are seeking to appoint to the Secondary O Ferryhill
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Tenant Support

Durham County Council
Grade 2 - £24,796 - £25,185 (pro-rata)
If you have elderly friends and relatives, you will understand the value they place on independence. This role will give you the opportunity to work Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Home Care and Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 4 - £25,583 - £26,824 (pro-rata)
We currently have multiple vacancies available including permament part time and a casual role. If you have elderly friends and relatives, you will u Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Data Science and Innovation Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 12 £44,075 to £48,226 per annum
We are looking to appoint two enthusiastic, hardworking, and motivated Data Scence and Innovation Officers to join Durham’s Data & Insight service. On Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner