'Hidden house' farmer slams contempt conviction

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. 'Hidden house' farmer slams contempt conviction7 hours ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleGeorge TorrEast MidlandsDerbyshire Dales District CouncilThe unauthorised dwelling was concealed inside an agricultural barnA farmer found in contempt of court for failing to remove a "hidden house" inside a barn has said the council that took legal action against her showed "no compassion". Derbyshire Dales District Council said Helen Lowe, of North Park Farm, Whitworth Road, Darley Dale, built the dwelling, which was "deliberately concealed to avoid detection" and did not have planning permission. After multiple attempts to order Lowe to pull down the building, the council took her to court after she failed to comply with the demolition order.

She faces sentencing on 18 August. The 59-year-old told the : "They've put a vulnerable person in a very compromised position, they've shown no compassion. "The council has said the maximum penalty is two years' imprisonment, an unlimited fine, or both.

The Details

The local authority was also awarded £10,000 in costs after Lowe was found guilty of contempt for failing to comply with the court's order following a trial at Nottingham County Court on 18 May. Demolition decisionFollowing reports of a potential breach, the council said officers carried out an investigation and served an enforcement notice on 19 February 2020. Lowe appealed to the government's Planning Inspectorate, but this was dismissed on 23 February 2022.

The inspector ordered her to cease using the building as a dwelling, remove the unauthorised structure and demolish the "unlawful extension" to the barn. The council said Lowe had "failed to comply within the time allowed". Lowe was subsequently taken to court.

On 9 September 2024, she was ordered to remove the unauthorised dwelling and cease living in the barn. Despite this "she continued to occupy the building and did not carry out the required works", the council said. On 2 July 2025, the council said it had applied for contempt of court proceedings after further non‑compliance, leading to her conviction in May.

What Experts Say

PA MediaLowe said the dwelling was used to keep a check on her sheep during lambing seasonLowe claimed she "did not ignore" the enforcement order, adding the dwelling was "not a luxury pad". "It's horrific what I've been through, it is a witch hunt. It's not like I live at Windsor Castle," she said.

"It was built as a temporary thing for me to be here when the sheep were lambing. "I consulted with the council back and forth for some time on getting it down and the timescales. "Lowe added the removal had been delayed due to operations on her hands and the death of her mother.

Due to her bereavement, she said she did "not follow through with the appeal" to the Planning Inspectorate, which dismissed her initial application in 2022 as she "did not attend".

The story has become one of the most prominent items on the global agenda.