
Grandparents ordered to tear down luxury £1m home in planning row
"Planning rules are there for a reason – including protecting our countryside and this decision demonstrates that we will act when those rules are broken."
A couple have been left devastated after being ordered to tear down their luxury one-million-pound home following a "flagrant breach" of planning laws.
Jeremy Zielinski and his wife Elaine say they'll be left homeless and that they didn't know they were bending the rules, reports the Mirror.
The pair were given permission for a two-storey commercial building for their horses and a lab, with a tiny flat upstairs for workers. But officials were stunned to find the sleek building in Great Abington, Cambridgeshire was actually a plush three-bed home with stunning countryside views.
Now, after a lengthy row council officials have slapped them with an order to demolish the lot.
But Mrs Zielinski, 79, pleaded with this week: "We want to carry on living here. It's a warm and comfortable home. I love it. It doesn't make sense to tear it down. I don't want to go and live in a caravan. If we are chucked out, we will be having to rely on the state."
The couple, who have six grandchildren, attempted to overturn the ruling in 2023, arguing that it was over the top and they could just switch back to what was allowed.
However, their hopes were crushed when a planning inspector checked out the evidence and ruled they'd built the house from the start, describing it as "a clear and flagrant breach of planning policy".
Mrs Zielinski, a GP's receptionist, insisted to Mail Online: "We would not have gone on and built this and put all our money into it unless we thought it was totally legal to do it."
Her partner, 73, who used to market for The Injured Jockeys Fund and now delivers meds, added: "I have not had a decent night's sleep in years and, from the moment when we got the first visit in 2020 [from council officials], life has been shaky."
The pair from Great Abington near Cambridge, left locals split after their planning appeal flopped. One neighbour remarked: "I genuinely feel sorry for him."
South Cambridgeshire District Council, run by the Lib Dems, has doubled down on the importance of sticking to planning rules and protecting the countryside.
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Councillor Dr Tumi Hawkins, the authority's lead cabinet member for planning, said he welcomed "the inspector's clear decision".
He said: "This case shows the importance of adhering to the specific uses and conditions that justify development in rural areas. Planning rules are there for a reason – including protecting our countryside and this decision demonstrates that we will act when those rules are broken."

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Document may help protect your DWP PIP payments
Major DWP PIP changes are due to come into force next November Millions of people who receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can expect major changes to the disability benefits system from November 2026. PIP will continue to be non-means-tested, increase annually in line with inflation, remain tax-free and not affect the Benefit Cap. The government also intends to lift the application age from 16 to 18 and ramp up the number of face-to-face assessments, which took a hit during the pandemic due to lockdown measures. However, the most substantial change will be in eligibility, primarily through an overhaul of the points scoring system for the daily living component. If these proposed changes successfully make it into law, they will come into effect for new claimants from next November. This timeline will also apply to existing claimants, so the first step is to check your PIP award letter for the date of your next review. This is essentially the expiry date for your current award, reports the Daily Record. If your review is scheduled before November 2026, and the DWP manages to clear the current backlog of pending PIP reviews, your review should be carried out and a new award decision made which, if successful, should carry you beyond that crucial date. If your review date falls after November 2026, you'll be subject to the proposed assessment changes and a revamp of the points system for the daily living component. To qualify for payment, you'll need to score at least four points in one of the ten daily living questions - even if scoring two points in every question takes you beyond the award thresholds of eight (standard rate) and twelve (enhanced rate). There are a number of tips people can employ to help protect PIP payments, and one of these involves hanging onto a certain document - the PIP 2 evidence form. When submitting your PIP claim online, you can save a copy of this form on your home computer or laptop for future reference. However, if you're filling out a paper-based form, make sure to photocopy the original document before sending it off. If you don't already have a copy of the PIP 2 evidence form, the health questionnaire you completed prior to your assessment, ring the PIP enquiry line on 0800 121 4433 and request one. Having this document will assist you with any future PIP reviews, or Adult Disability Payment (ADP) if you're set to switch to the Social Security Scotland system this Spring. Not only can the form serve as a handy reminder of your initial responses to the daily living and mobility queries, but crucially, it can assist you in detailing how your condition impacts you currently. This is particularly important if your circumstances have shifted and your health has deteriorated or other issues have cropped up. Those in receipt of PIP are also encouraged to keep a diary. This doesn't need to be a physical document, you can use your mobile phone or tablet to make a note of "bad days" and recording significant instances when something related to your condition occurs. Creating a specific note, with the time and date, where you can add things you might want to mention at a future PIP review, or just adding it to the calendar function. This isn't a task that needs to be done daily, just items that are relevant to how your condition affects you. This could include everyday tasks you struggled to safely complete alone, forgetting to take medication, or feeling down or exasperated due to your condition. Keeping all medical appointments related to your condition is also crucial to ensure your records are current, and it may be beneficial to contact a charity that specialises in your condition, even if it's just to ensure you're not missing out on additional support.


Wales Online
3 hours ago
- Wales Online
Banking giant closing last Anglesey branch in 'deeply disappointing' decision
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A banking giant is set to close its last branch on Anglesey. NatWest has announced its bank in Llangefni will shut on September 4. They said this follows a drop off in personal and business customers over the last five years. Currently nearly 300 customers use the bank each month. It follows the closure of branches in Holyhead, Menai Bridge and Amlwch in recent years. The nearest branch for Anglesey customers will now be over the Menai Strait in Bangor. The decision has come under fire from politicians on the island The Member of the Senedd and Member of Parliament for Ynys Môn described the decision as 'deeply disappointing". In a joint statement, Rhun ap Iorwerth MS and Llinos Medi MP, said: 'NatWest's decision to close its Llangefni branch – the last remaining NatWest branch on the island – is deeply disappointing. It follows an increasingly worrying and unacceptable trend of commercial banks turning their backs on customers in rural communities. "It's equally disappointing that this decision was made without informing elected representatives, leaving us unable to update our constituents. 'Everyone should have access to banking services in their community, and it's the responsibility of the banking sector to make sure that happens. Branch closures cause serious difficulties for customers and isolate many from being able to manage their finances, especially those unable to make use of digital services. Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone 'We'll make the case to NatWest to reverse its decision, as well as continue conversations with Link to ensure that no one is left behind because of this announcement.' NatWest said it will offer some services locally following the closure. They said: "We will introduce a community pop-up following closure that will be based in a community venue near to the closing branch." "This service will be accessible for all and be available for up to 12 weeks, with a local colleague available to support with; • face-to-face conversations around your banking needs • support in setting up and using our digital services • advice on how to protect yourself against fraud and scams. "It is a cashless service, however we will provide information on how you can use your local Post Office for cash based transaction." Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox


Daily Record
4 hours ago
- Daily Record
Specsavers choose Dumfries for first ever dedicated Scottish audiology unit
The expansion is part a £380,000 investment from the opticians as they celebrate their 30th anniversary in the town centre. Specsavers have opened their first ever dedicated Scottish audiology unit in Dumfries. The expansion is part a £380,000 investment from the opticians as they celebrate their 30th anniversary in the town centre. The new unit is next door to the existing High Street door and the firm hopes to provide optical and hearing care to more than 20,000 customers a year. To mark the occasion, the charity's Bug Ear mascot paid a visit to the store, gift bags were handed out and people were able to enjoy some delicious cupcakes. Audiology director, Thomas Allison, said: 'It's been great to shout about the new tech and being able to offer more appointments locally and really cut down the waiting lists. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. 'The team has been working hard to get everything in order for the big launch – I'm very proud how what we've been able to achieve here, offering specialist care in the community.' The audiology unit includes two consultation rooms, with the team able to offer services such as microsuction earwax removal, hearing checks and hearing aids. And the refurbishment of the eyecare unit has included installing cutting-edge diagnostic tools, meaning a broader range of NHS and private services can be offered.