Vernon Kay branded 'northern nimby' in planning row over bungalow near his home

25 May 2023 , 17:12

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Building at centre of planning spat (Image: Supplied by Champion News)

A timber tycoon branded Vernon Kay a Northern nimby after a court wrangle about a bungalow the BBC star objects to.

Ian Caldwell, 62, had the wooden bungalow built in 2014. It houses his site manager and family.

Objectors included Radio 2 host Vernon Kay, 49, and wife Tess Daly, 54, who live 300 yards from the site.

Buckinghamshire Council ordered the £80,000 home demolished, citing a lack of planning permission.

In February a government planning inspector backed the decision. But Mr Caldwell and his firm Timberstore Ltd argued that the bungalow had stood for more than four years without prosecution.

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Vernon and wife Tess live nearby (Getty Images)

Ian Caldwell had the wooden bungalow built nine years ago (Champion News)

Under the “four-year rule, it should be tolerated", he said. Mr Justice Lane yesterday allowed a full High Court appeal.

Posters labelling Bolton-born Kay a Northern nimby have been seen near the site.

And asked about his celebrity neighbours outside court, Mr Caldwell said yesterday: “I call them Northern nimbies”.

Stephen White