Across the UK, many are likely raising a toast in memory of “Britain’s biggest man cave,” which has finally been demolished. Graham Wildin’s ambitious 10,000-square-foot retreat was reduced to rubble after a decade-long legal dispute with the Forest of Dean District Council over its lack of planning permission. Built behind his home in Cinderford, Gloucestershire, Wildin’s elaborate space included a bowling alley, cinema, squash courts, private casino, and bar.
Wildin did not obtain planning approval when he began construction in 2014, which angered both his neighbors and the council. Following a public complaint in 2013, council officials informed him that his project required planning consent. Although council officers advised that the extension didn’t qualify as “permitted development,” Wildin pushed ahead with the build.
He argued that permitted development rights (PDR)—allowing certain home modifications without planning permission—applied to his project. However, PDR does not cover structures taller than four meters. To meet this requirement, Wildin excavated 18 feet into a hillside, claiming this alteration made the build compliant.
The council eventually secured an injunction in 2020, requiring the structure’s demolition within 18 weeks. When Wildin defied the order, he was jailed in June 2022 for contempt of court. His appeal failed, and a deadline was set for March 10, 2022, to avoid imprisonment, which he missed, leading to a six-week sentence in August 2022.
In March 2023, Wildin’s final appeal against his prison sentence was dismissed. He then claimed he had sold the property for £1, arguing he was no longer legally responsible for any modifications to it.
After years of legal battles, Wildin’s man cave is now gone. Drone images show the former site, which now resembles a “concrete car park.” Local residents welcomed the change, with one saying, “It’s about time—I’m glad to see it go.”
Wildin has not commented on the demolition. The Forest of Dean District Council confirmed that the site was cleared and announced plans to recover the demolition costs from him. A spokesperson noted, “Demolition on Meendhurst Road in Cinderford is complete, and we are working to recover full costs from the landowner. We appreciate the patience and understanding of local residents.” The demolition site was secured on May 31, 2024.