Martin Rhode, a developer who spent £220,000 building two homes without planning permission, is now selling them for just £30,000 each to avoid demolition. The unfinished properties in Duke's Walk, Leominster, Herefordshire, have been abandoned since 2019, becoming a haven for squatters, vandalism, and drug users. Neighbors describe the situation as a "misery" and "hell on earth."

Legal Troubles and Financial Strains

Last year, Rhode faced jail time for failing to comply with a court injunction ordering the demolition of the semi-detached properties. He claims he cannot afford to tear them down without selling his Porsche. To avoid parting with his beloved car, he has decided to auction the properties at a fraction of their market value, despite most homes in the area fetching around £500,000.

Community Outcry

Neighbors have expressed their frustration and sadness over the eyesore. Hilary Currie told the Daily Mail, "I'm saddened, frustrated, and a bit embarrassed by the eyesore. This is a blight on a town that prides itself on its history and heritage. It's a mess and the developer is evading responsibility."

Pub landlords Bob and Nina Newman, who run 'The Chequers Inn' overlooking the site, described the horror of living nearby. Bob said, "Screaming and shouting, mattresses, and rodents have all been spotted there. The site encourages vermin, drugs…it looks like a prison, it's got worse, and worser, and worse."

Failed Planning and Legal Battles

Rhode began work on the site in 2011, initially intending to build one property. He claimed the development could no longer be challenged due to the time elapsed. However, Herefordshire Council refused his request for a lawful development certificate, citing "significant anomalies" in his timeline.

The council issued an enforcement notice in 2019 ordering the demolition of the buildings. Last summer, they sought a court injunction. Rhode then applied for planning permission to replace the development with a four-bedroom house, but this was also rejected.

Developer's Defense

Rhode insists he is strapped for cash and defended himself, telling the Daily Mail, "I could sell the Porsche; that would knock it down." He claimed to have "no money or resources to sell" to fund the demolition, adding, "I've spent £300,000, vast amounts of money, trying to resolve it to no success."

Another neighbor, Rhea, branded the development a "waste of space," stating, "It's something you'd expect in an inner-city…when you look at the other buildings, they're nice and dated. This doesn't fit in. The building work is shoddy and immoral. It's built too high, and the information in the planning application was false. It rips the pride in our town away."

Ongoing Dispute

Despite the community's frustration, Rhode insists he has tried to resolve the situation. He said, "I've tried numerous ways to appease the council…and as far as I'm concerned, the height is correct. It's not my fault always…I've tried with the local authority. I'm 65-years-old. I have no time for this. I would offer an apology to the local residents, but I didn't envisage I would have to knock it down."