Family of millionaire owner of 'man cave’ buy up surrounding properties in a bid to dodge demolition

A company run by the family of a millionaire who illegally built a 10,000 sq ft "man cave" without planning permission have acquired the properties that surround the building, according to documents.

Graham Wildin, 69, has been accused of going to war with his neighbours to try and save the vast leisure complex at the back of his house in Cinderford, Gloucestershire.

After losing a court battle with Forest of Dean District Council, he was ordered to destroy the building that includes a cinema, squash court and a bowling alley.

The final deadline to pull it down passed nearly a month ago.

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Land Registry records show the property to the front and side has been transferred or sold to a company owned by members of Wildin's family.

It is understood relatives or neighbours would now have to give permission for the bulldozers to pass over their land to reach Wildin's man cave to forcibly take it down.

The building where the illegal structure is situated is on land that still belongs to Wildin, which he bought in 2013 for £230,000.

Land Registry records show the properties to the front and side have now either been sold or transferred to Expresser Ltd, of which his children are directors.

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According to Companies House, the active directors of the company are Wildin's daughters Jacqueline Mannion and Louise Trigg and his son Philip Wildin.

Other former directors include Wildin himself, who is listed as resigning in 2004.

In relation to the third property on the site, which was formerly owned by Wildin, Land Registry records show the land in this title was also transferred to Expresser Ltd.

Documents add the price paid for the plots on 5 June 2020 by Expresser Ltd was £226,566.

Wildin first sparked outrage amongst his neighbours when he was found to have carried out the work without the required planning permission in 2014.

A lengthy legal fight ended with a High Court judge handing down an injunction in 2018 and Wildin was initially given until the end of April 2020 to remove the complex.

This ordered Wildin to tear down the sports centre as it had a serious impact on his neighbours in Cinderford.

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After failing to carry out the court's orders, he was found in contempt of court.

Mr Justice Jarman handed down a custodial sentence of six weeks, suspended for 12 months in November and a new deadline was set for 10 March this year.

Wildin has now reached the deadline to comply with the order to complete the required work under the threat of prison if he failed to do so.

A Forest of Dean District Council spokesperson said: "The council can not comment on an ongoing case and is continuing to work with the relevant authorities.''

Forest of Dean District Council was awarded substantial costs as part of the hearing.

Wildin has also been approached for comment.