The Stone Gargoyle: A Symbol of Fury in a Bitter Planning Dispute
Introduction
Planning disputes are no laughing matter, but one builder in Trowbridge, Wiltshire decided to take matters into his own hands in a rather unconventional way. Michael Thomas, a 71-year-old builder, was left furious when his proposals to convert a former pizza takeaway into a three-storey, seven-bedroom house of multiple occupation (HMO) were rejected. The rejection led to a bitter battle with Trowbridge Council leader Stewart Palmen, ultimately resulting in a stone gargoyle being erected on Thomas’ roof as an act of revenge.
A Divisive Decision
Thomas’ plans for the property were met with strong opposition from Cllr Palmen and local residents. Palmen issued an enforcement notice to stop the construction, causing Thomas to become even more determined to complete the conversion project. Despite receiving a notice to temporarily halt the work, Thomas refused to back down, vowing to carry on with the construction.
The Stone Gargoyle’s Arrival
Feeling personally targeted and misled by the council, Thomas decided to express his frustration by erecting a stone gargoyle on the side of the disputed property. The gargoyle depicts Cllr Palmen wearing half-moon glasses and sticking out his tongue. Surprisingly, Palmen claimed to be “flattered” by the gargoyle’s presence, turning the situation into a somewhat amusing spectacle. Thomas, on the other hand, saw the gargoyle as a way to express his disdain for the council’s decision.
An Unresolved Conflict
While the stone gargoyle may seem like a light-hearted response to a planning dispute, it does not absolve Thomas of the legal troubles he faces. Despite continued construction work and multiple appeals, Thomas’ plans were rejected by Wiltshire Council in June 2022. Council officers argued that the proposed conversion detracted from the character and appearance of the area. An inspector later upheld the council’s decision after Thomas lodged yet another appeal.
A Banner of Protest
In further protest against the council, Thomas decided to place a banner on the scaffolding surrounding the property. The banner criticized Wiltshire Council for hindering small building developers while focusing on greenfield developments for profit. Thomas believed that the council’s actions showcased a lack of fairness and consistency in enforcing planning regulations.
A Resolution Beyond the Gargoyle
While the gargoyle may be an amusing symbol of frustration, there is still a serious legal battle to be fought. Thomas found himself at the center of legal action by Wiltshire Council for failing to comply with an execution notice. He was ordered to appear at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on October 27 to face the charge. Thomas, undeterred by the prospect of jail time, expressed his willingness to continue building against the council’s orders, adamant in his belief that they do not follow their own rules.
Conclusion
The tale of the stone gargoyle on Michael Thomas’ roof is one that brings attention to the often fraught relationship between builders and local councils. Planning disputes can ignite passions and lead to unconventional acts of protest. While the gargoyle may have provided a light-hearted twist to the conflict, it should not overshadow the legal ramifications and the need for a resolution. As the court battle continues, it remains to be seen how this saga will eventually unfold.
Summary:
A bitter planning dispute between builder Michael Thomas and Trowbridge Council leader Stewart Palmen led to Thomas erecting a stone gargoyle as an act of revenge on his roof. Thomas’s proposal to convert a former pizza takeaway into a three-storey, seven-bedroom house of multiple occupation (HMO) was rejected by the council, leading to ongoing legal battles. The stone gargoyle, depicting Cllr Palmen, wearing half-moon glasses and sticking out his tongue, became a humorous symbol of Thomas’s frustration. While entertaining, the gargoyle does not absolve Thomas from the legal consequences he faces for not complying with an execution notice. Amidst the ongoing conflict, Thomas remains steadfast in his determination to continue building and challenging the council’s decisions.
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A builder has placed a giant stone gargoyle on his roof as a bitter planning dispute turned ugly. Michael Thomas was reportedly furious when his proposals to convert a former pizza takeaway into a three-storey, seven-bedroom house of multiple occupation (HMO) were rejected.
Trowbridge Council leader Stewart Palmen opposed the project and issued an enforcement notice to stop it. Thomas, 71, has apparently taken revenge by erecting a stone gargoyle of Cllr Palmen on his roof.
The effigy, wearing half-moon glasses and sticking out his tongue, adorns the side of the disputed property in the Wiltshire town. Cllr Palmen, 61, says he was “flattered” by the gargoyle that appeared on the building last week.
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He said: “It’s been quite fun. Just started building [the HMO] without any building permit in 2020. I reported it to the police and in the end he applied, and it was rejected along with his appeals.
“He has taken it very personally and believes he has been misled by the council. He seems to have a vendetta against me, but I quite like Gargoyle and would love for him to stay.
“I don’t have a problem with that, but there is a serious side: there is a court date for the fact that he has not returned the building to what it was.”
Thomas found himself at the center of legal action by Wiltshire Council after continuing construction work on the Newtown property despite an enforcement notice. After receiving a notice to temporarily stop the project, Thomas vowed to complete the conversion.
Following objections from Cllr Palmen and local residents, the stop notice was replaced with an enforcement notice in September 2020. He then applied for planning permission which was refused by Wiltshire Council in June 2022.
Council officers rejected the plans, saying they “detracted from the character and appearance of the area”. In May this year, an inspector upheld the council’s decision after Thomas lodged another appeal.
(Image: SWNS)
In retaliation, Thomas launched a protest against the city hall by placing a banner on the scaffolding surrounding the property.
The banner read: “Wiltshire Council invests time and energy into greenfield developments and long-term developers in and around Trowbridge at a profit, whilst actively hindering small building developers trying to meet the need for accommodation for those who don’t qualify for the more expensive options. accommodation in the city.”
The building itself is not listed, but is located in a conservation area. In June, Thomas said he was even willing to go to prison over the dispute. He said: “They don’t follow the rules, they make them up as they go along.
“If council officials don’t follow the rules, why should I? I’m going to continue building against their orders and allow them to take me to court.
“I’m not afraid of going to jail, I’ve been jailed twice before and I’ve been told that these days they have bathrooms and televisions, so I don’t think it will be a difficulty.”
Mr Thomas was ordered to appear at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on October 27 to face a charge of failing to comply with an execution notice.
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