$370k home nightmare: Dad’s unapproved build could land him in jail

A defiant dad is facing a hefty fine and potential jail time after ignoring council orders to demolish a $370,000 bungalow he built in his ex-wife’s backyard – without planning permission.

Mark Jones, 55, is locked in a bitter battle with Birmingham City Council in the UK over the unauthorised “granny flat” he constructed in 2019.

Now, facing the music, he’s taken to picketing outside the council house in a desperate attempt to save his investment.

“This is £180,000 (AU$370,000) trashed in the bin,” a frustrated Jones said.

“My dogs will need rehoming and I could go to prison. I know we have made mistakes.

“I want the council to talk to me and make me see reason.”

The council issued Jones an ultimatum: demolish the bungalow by the end of June, or face the consequences.

That deadline has now passed, leaving Jones in a precarious position.

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Furious Mark Jones has been told to demolish the bungalow in his garden. Source: Credit: BPM

The saga began when Jones started building the bungalow for his terminally ill father, believing it fell within permitted development guidelines.

However, he was quickly informed that planning permission was required.

Despite this, he continued construction, confident he would eventually get the green light.

His initial application was rejected in October 2019, the same month his father sadly passed away.

A second application, and a subsequent appeal, also failed, with the council branding the bungalow a “backland” development that was “very obvious from surrounding private gardens.”

Adding to the complexity, Jones’ daughter and her boyfriend moved into the bungalow during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Jones now lives there himself.

He claims the council has refused to engage in meaningful discussions to find a solution short of demolition.

Mr Jones with his dogs in front of his bungalow in Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands. Credit: The Sun UK

Adding insult to injury, Jones could be fined around $420 a day if the bungalow isn’t torn down.

He argues that the building’s size is within regulations and has even suggested replacing the rooms with a swimming pool to appease the council.

“I am now appealing the permitted development decision and waiting for the enforcement action letter,” he said.

“The council said it won’t talk to me now. It’s waiting for the court case.

“They will say take it down or we will fine you and then we will put you in prison.”

In a last-ditch effort, Jones’ ex-wife is reportedly subdividing the land to separate the bungalow. Jones has vowed to live in a caravan and dismantle the structure “brick by brick” if he ultimately loses the fight.

An aerial view of the bungalow (bottom left of shot) which is in Jones’ ex-wife’s garden. Credit: The Sun UK

When asked why he proceeded without planning permission, Jones said: “What sane person wouldn’t think they would get permission for this?”

Jones insists the bungalow is “100 per cent within permitted development certificate limits” and points out that it lacks separate utilities.

He also claims the council should have intervened earlier to halt construction.

“Ultimately, I acknowledge I am at fault. However, I believe the council also bears significant responsibility due to the initial misguidance, followed by a severe lack of communication, support, and adherence to its own procedures,” Jones admitted.

A Birmingham City Council spokeswoman confirmed that Jones is in breach of the enforcement notice and has been given ample time to comply.

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