Man faces huge bill over illegal home

A MAN is facing a £12,000 legal bill after a judge threw out his challenge to a council order telling him to tear down a house he had built in his garden without planning permission.

Leeds City Council had prosecuted Ian Gordon, of The Drive, Cross Gates, Leeds, for failing to comply with an order to demolish the house.

The house Gordon built was several metres bigger than he received permission for – which significantly affected the surrounding properties.

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Following a failed bid to have the council's legal action against him dismissed at Leeds Magistrates' Court, Gordon changed his plea and pleaded guilty to failing to comply with the enforcement notice. He was fined 2,500 and ordered to pay costs to the council of 10,000.