A couple who bought their dream home in a national park have been ordered demolish £150,000 worth of renovations including a hot tub area and balcony after being slapped with a contravention notice.
Mark Owen, who suffers from cancer, and wife Kerrie, 48, forked out £287,000 on the barn conversion in the Brecon Beacons, Wales and added extras to the six-acre plot such as a swanky patio balcony, a hot tub area, and a home office.
But they were devastated 10 months later to be ordered by park bosses to tear out some of the additions including the jacuzzi area, which he installed under the recommendation of the consultant doctor for the aches caused by chemotherapy.
The couple must also remove a porch extension, a separate office, a large garden shed and the balcony.
Mark, 50, said: “It was for the future – I don’t know how long I have left. I wanted it to be nice for Kerrie if I’m not here.
“Features like the Jacuzzi area were under the recommendation of the consultant doctor for the aches and pains which come with the chemotherapy tablets I take.
“I will stand here when they come to take it down if I need to.”
Former soldier Mark and wife moved from Kent to buy The Byre in the Brecon Beacons national park in April last year and spent three months renovating it before moving in.
Mark, who could have just years to live due to chronic myeloid leukaemia, said he bought the land believing it was residential. But Brecon Beacons National Park officials told him it was agricultural land in Trecastle, Powys.
Mark, who helps with Army training in Sennybridge, said: “It’s just been a real heartache with the pressure we’ve been under. I know Kerrie wants to stay but I just want to move away now after everything we’ve been through.”
The couple say a national park officer told them there had been one complaint made and it was not from a neighbour.
Mark said: “If I’d painted it pink and put a ferris wheel outside I’d understand but I haven’t.”
The pair have also been ordered to remove gabion supports and a boarded fence around a dog area.
They have now complained to estate agents Clee Tompkinson and Francis claiming they were told they could do what they wanted with the land.
A spokesman for the estate agents said: “I can confirm that we have received a complaint from Mr and Mrs Owen. This is currently under investigation via our complaints procedure and we are therefore unable to comment further.”
A Brecon Beacons National Park spokeswoman said they were unable to comment because it was a “live case”.
