Box woodland owner ordered to demolish toilet by council

Stephen Windsor, of Johns Road in Bathwick, has plans to develop his land in Quarry Woods, at Quarry Hill in Box, into an accessible woodland for disabled people.

The first phase of this ambitious project was completed when the 64-year-old erected a tool shed equipped with a composting toilet, and a “nursery for trees”.

But no planning permission was gained for the development, leading Wiltshire Council to order him to demolish the two buildings as they were situated in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a “site of special scientific interest.”

Mr Windsor was found guilty of failing to comply with the notice at Salisbury Magistrates' Court on February 16 before losing an appeal at Crown Court on July 28.

The toilet in the shed (Image: Kevin Beadle)He was also ordered to pay the full cost of £1,700.

Despite these setbacks, Mr Windsor is adamant he will not allow the buildings to be demolished and says he will “exhaust every avenue” to protect his work.

He said: “We’re appealing and will take this all the way, I’m not going to stop because the council can’t get away with this.

“It’s going to be a beautiful thing and it is in keeping with the woodland, there’s no water, electricity or gas and you can’t see it from more than 20 metres away.

“I think it’s disgusting that the council would do this, I’m totally stressed all the time over this and just gobsmacked.”

The woodland area Mr Windsor is developing (Image: Kevin Beadle)The council have now applied for an inunction to push through the destruction of the shed.

Cllr Nick Botterill, cabinet member for development management, said: “We are passionate about protecting Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty that fall within Wiltshire and our enforcement officers will take any action necessary to protect them.

“At this time Mr Windsor has still not complied with the enforcement notice and has in fact carried out further unlawful development on the site.  

“As a result, an application for a High Court Injunction has been made, which if successful, will order the defendant to demolish the two buildings and remove the material.”

Mr Windsor’s plans for the woodland include transforming it into an accessible “safe haven” for disabled people and he claims to have received significant backing.

The shed and toilet (Image: Kevin Beadle)He believes he does not require planning permission as the structure is moveable and not attached to the ground.