A Man’s Battle Over a ‘Man Cave’ and a Protected Willow Tree
A man in East Yorkshire is caught in a legal and personal battle after he illegally cut down a protected willow tree to build a luxury “man cave” in his backyard. The structure, which he claims was meant for his hobbies and family, has sparked conflict with neighbors and local authorities.
Justin Claybourn, 56, constructed a two-storey annex without proper planning permission behind his home in Foggathorpe, an ancient village mentioned in the Domesday Book. The project, which cost £75,000, included a steel staircase, French doors, and a first-floor balcony. Neighbors say the addition intrudes on their privacy and disrupts the area’s character.
The controversy began when Mr. Claybourn removed a 50ft willow tree that had been under a Tree Preservation Order (TPO). He admitted cutting it down after a branch damaged his garage roof. However, the council took legal action, resulting in fines and costs totaling £5,644.
East Riding of Yorkshire Council has ordered him to demolish the entire unauthorized structure, including the staircase and an adjoining timber pergola. Mr. Claybourn, a plumber and builder, denies wrongdoing and accuses the council of misreading his original plans.
He claims the building falls within permitted development rules and insists he will win an appeal. “I can’t lose. I won’t have to demolish it,” he said. “The worst-case scenario is I would have to take the windows and the staircase out, and that’s it.”
Despite this, the council argues that the final structure does not match the approved plans. It includes a bathroom, kitchen, reception room, and additional Velux windows—features not originally authorized. The council also pointed out that the building appears out of scale with the surrounding properties and could negatively impact neighboring residents.
Neighboring resident Emma Lister expressed concern over the lack of privacy caused by the new structure. She wrote an objection to the planning application, stating that the glass doors, balcony, and external staircase create a sense of exposure for her family.
Mr. Claybourn has appealed to the Planning Inspectorate, with a decision expected later in the year. He claims he will comply if necessary but says he will not tear down the entire structure. “If I have to demolish it, can you imagine the mess?” he asked.
Enforcement documents from the council highlight significant changes to the building’s appearance, making it stand out from the domestic setting. They argue that the annex is now a dominant feature that doesn’t align with the design code of the area.
Mr. Claybourn defended his work, saying that stonework from a church conversion was used to match the original property. He also noted that the height of the annexe was only slightly larger than initially approved.
In January, he was taken to court for illegally cutting down the willow tree. The court heard that he first pollarded the tree before completely removing it, despite its good health at the time.
A council spokesperson emphasized that no consent was given for either the pollarding or felling of the tree. They stated that investigations revealed the tree was in good condition before the work began.
Councillor Gary McMaster of East Riding of Yorkshire Council reiterated the importance of protecting trees and taking strong action against illegal activities. If Mr. Claybourn loses his appeal, he will have six months to demolish the annex or face further legal consequences.
The council has declined to comment during the appeal process, leaving the outcome uncertain for Mr. Claybourn and his neighbors.
