A pair found themselves in legal trouble for constructing an underground residence in the countryside without obtaining planning permission. Garry Braund and Tina Thorne faced court action after repeatedly disregarding warnings from the council about their unauthorized development at Honey Hill, Snapper, which evolved over a span of nine years. Initially served with a planning enforcement notice in December 2016, the couple continued to expand their setup, using the land for residency with caravans, sheds, and a new vehicle access point that posed safety concerns on a blind bend road.
During a hearing at Exeter County Court on March 24, Braund and Thorne admitted to four breaches of failing to comply with the enforcement notice. Despite numerous alerts and chances to rectify the situation, the couple persisted in their non-compliance, intensifying the unauthorized development by adding more residential features, structures, and even constructing an underground dwelling.
The council confirmed that Braund and Thorne’s actions were considered persistent and deliberate non-compliance. As reported by Devon Live, the couple received a suspended 42-day prison sentence, valid for 12 months, with the condition that they do not reoccupy the land or take any steps to reverse the enforcement notice breaches. Additionally, they were ordered to cover £8,088 in costs for three recent hearings, bringing the total cumulative expenses incurred by the council to over £30,000, which are being pursued through charging orders against the property.
An enforcement notice for the site highlighted a site visit in 2024 that revealed ongoing unauthorized developments, including the creation of a concealed underground dwelling. The contraveners admitted to residing in the subterranean structure, which was camouflaged with branches and netting to avoid detection.
Emphasizing the protected countryside location, the notice stressed the importance of strict development controls to preserve the area’s beauty and sustainability.
Councillor Malcolm Prowse, responsible for regeneration, economic development, and planning, commended the relentless efforts of the council officers in bringing the case to a conclusion. He underlined the importance of upholding planning regulations to safeguard the environment for all residents and reiterated the council’s commitment to enforcing compliance to protect communities and maintain the integrity of the planning system.
