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.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Highways Inspection Officer

The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
£39,526 - £43,613 per annum.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Highways Inspection Officer to join us! Maidenhead, Berkshire
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead

Co-ordination Support Officer

Wakefield Council
Grade 5 SCP 8 £26,824 - SCP 11 £28,142
Do you have excellent business administration skills with an interest in working in Adults Social Care? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Engineering Team Manager (Transportation)

Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council
Special A Grade, SCP 42-45, £53,460 - £56,732 per annum
Lead the way. Shape Calderdale’s transport future. Calderdale, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council

Social Worker Care Co-ordinator

Durham County Council
£35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression) pro rata pa
We are seeking a dynamic and motivated Social Worker who places young people at the centre of their practice. This is an exciting opportunity to make Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Accommodation Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £30,024 - £33,699
Are you passionate about preventing homelessness and making a real difference in people’s lives? As an Accommodation Officer in our Independent Livin Seaham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner