A FARMER who secretly built a five-bedroom house disguised as a barn could be forced to knock it down after a decision in the Supreme Court.

Len Barker, 60, bought the site off Mount End View in Theydon Mount in 1987 and won planning permission to build a barn for his dairy herd.

Officials from Epping Forest District Council who inspected the site failed to spot that Mr Barker was converting the upper floors of the barn into a £1million home for him and his wife.

When Mr Barker eventually applied to have it recognised as a home, planning officers said they had to grant permission because he could prove he had already lived there longer than the four years required by law.

Angry councillors demanded further legal advice and are now citing a similar case in Hertfordshire in which the Supreme Court ruled that the owner had misled the council in a way which outweighed the planning law.

Neighbour John Padfield, 82, of Mount End View said: “I think the council have been very slow in taking action. I mean, this has been going on for 12, 14 years.

“In a way it would be a pity if it was pulled down though as he has done a nice job with it. It looks quite good.”

Val Wheatley, 86, who also lives in Mount End View, said: “I do not like it. Everyone else has to apply, why does he not? He will not take any notice of anyone.”

Mr Barker was not at home when the Guardian called round but previously he said that the case against him was a waste of money, and that his neighbours were jealous.

He added: “I’ve got in touch with a firm of barristers and they said it could cost in excess of £20,000. The rate-payer should really be informed. They’ll be paying, not the councillors.”

A council spokesman said: “Our adviser is currently reviewing the detail of the Hertfordshire case and hopes to be able to let us have his considered view in the near future.”