Farmer convicted of contempt for failing to remove unauthorized barn dwelling
Helen Lowe, a 59-year-old farmer in Derbyshire, was found guilty of contempt of court for failing to demolish an unauthorized dwelling she built inside a barn despite multiple court orders. The structure, which lacked planning permission, was built to house her during lambing season but the council deemed it deliberately concealed to avoid detection. She faces sentencing on 18 August and potential penalties of up to two years imprisonment, an unlimited fine, or both.
Helen Lowe of North Park Farm in Darley Dale was convicted of contempt of court after failing to comply with demolition orders for an unauthorized dwelling concealed within an agricultural barn. Derbyshire Dales District Council initiated enforcement action in February 2020 after discovering the structure lacked planning permission. Following a dismissed appeal to the Planning Inspectorate in 2022 and a court order in September 2024 to remove the building, Lowe continued to occupy it, leading to contempt proceedings and her conviction in May 2025. Lowe claims the structure was temporary, built to monitor sheep during lambing, and argues it would comply under new Class Q Agricultural Permitted Development Rights that took effect in May 2024—two months after the council served an injunction. She also cited personal hardships including a broken femur from a horse fall and her mother's death as reasons for delays, stating the council showed "no compassion." The council was awarded £10,000 in costs, and Lowe faces sentencing with maximum penalties of two years imprisonment and an unlimited fine.
What different sources said
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'Hidden house' farmer slams contempt conviction
- BBCCenter
'Hidden house' farmer hits back after conviction
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