‘Hidden house’ farmer slams contempt conviction

Farmer Condemns Contempt Conviction for 'Hidden House'

Hidden house farmer slams contempt conviction - Helen Lowe, a 59-year-old farmer from Darley Dale, has expressed frustration over her contempt of court ruling for retaining an unauthorized dwelling within a barn. The Derbyshire Dales District Council alleged the structure was deliberately hidden to evade detection and lacked proper planning permissions. After repeated attempts to compel her to dismantle the building, the council proceeded to court, with Lowe facing sentencing on 18 August.

Legal Battle Over Unlawful Structure

The council issued an enforcement notice in February 2020 following reports of a potential breach. Despite this, Lowe continued to occupy the barn, which served as her home during lambing season. The case reached a critical point in May 2025 when she was found guilty of contempt after failing to comply with a demolition order. The council was awarded £10,000 in costs and cited the possibility of up to two years' imprisonment or an unlimited fine as penalties.

"They've put a vulnerable person in a very compromised position, they've shown no compassion," Lowe told the BBC. "It is a witch hunt. It's not like I live at Windsor Castle."

Contested Legal Orders and Timeline

Lowe argued the structure was a temporary solution for her agricultural work and claimed the council ignored a planning amendment enacted in May 2024. This change, highlighted by Jeremy Clarkson in his Amazon Prime show *Clarkson's Farm*, relaxed rules for converting old barns into dwellings under Class Q Permitted Development Rights. However, the council served her with an injunction in March 2024, two months prior to the amendment, which she says was unnecessary.

Lowe also detailed delays due to her health challenges, including a hospital stay after a horse-riding accident that left her with a broken femur. She stated that during this period, the council persisted with enforcement actions despite her inability to respond. "They continued with the injunction knowing I could do nothing about it," she said.

Council's Stance on Planning Compliance

The council defended its decision, emphasizing the importance of adhering to planning regulations. "This case underscores the consequences of disregarding planning rules," a representative noted. "The system functions only when everyone follows the same process. It's not acceptable for a few to bypass it while most comply."

Lowe claimed she had sought leniency from the council after lambing season and had even written for "some lenience" due to her health issues. She described the enforcement as relentless, arguing the council acted without considering her circumstances. "They ploughed on knowing full well I could do nothing about it," she added.