Demolition of UK’s Largest Man Cave Under Way

Aerial view of Graham Wildin’s demolished man cave which once housed a casino. (Image: SWSN)

We already wrote about a man in the UK who built a casino in his back garden. Now after years of legal battles, Mr. Wildin has had to concede and allow the bulldozers to move in. 

Graham Wildin ignored planning regulations and the concerns of neighbours and went ahead, spending a considerable amount of his fortune on building what was described as the UK’s biggest mancave.  

Long-Term Battle Over Planning Comes to Head 

Wildin, who lives on Meendhurst Road in Cinderford, close to Birmingham, challenged attempts to have his mansion demolished but it was only a matter of time before his plans without planning came crashing down around him.

To put it in some sort of scale, imagine living next door to a regular home in a leafy suburb, then suddenly being surrounded by an industrial-scale leisure complex. 

Mr. Wildin did not stop there. Neighbours had to fight for parking spaces as the millionaire parked his fleet of luxury cars along the road. 

Comments on social media have chastised Mr. Wildin. Owain Woods commented on Facebook: “This is the same guy that parked his collection of 13 ‘classic cars’ along his street in every available space. He sounds like a genuine joy to live near.” 

Squash Court to get Squashed 

Now the complex containing a squash court, casino, bar, bowling alley, and cinema is being flattened after a lengthy legal battle between Mr. Wildin and the council.  

Forest of Dean District Council and the neighbours will breathe a sigh of relief now that the demolition work is well underway with the roof already removed.  Mr. Wildin has not commented on the latest development. 

The demolition has been met with support and dismay.

Richard Dukes posted on Facebook: “Sad that you need permission to do what you want on your own land. There's no such thing as freedom.”

Sue Ferguson, also writing on Facebook, said, “For god’s sake, what harm is he causing? The time it takes councilors to nitpick who can blame him; it’s his land; he should be allowed to do what he wants.”

Gillian Turner posted: “Why do some people think they can do whatever they want whilst most people follow the planning rules?” 

The council expects to recover the cost of the demolition.