Council officers came under attack

Planning officers claimed they tried to advise Allan Garrard, 29, who built a Mediterranean-style villa.

But Mr Garrard, who employs Eastern European workers in Lincolnshire and Cornwall, is said to have carried on.

He denies failing to comply with a stop notice and an enforcement order for the work in High Street, Gosberton.

Mr Garrard, of St Johns Street, Holbeach, is conducting his own defence after sacking his barrister just minutes before his case was due to begin.

Village complaints

His hostel, with swimming-pool and water garden, was finally bulldozed by South Holland District Council in February.

Nicholas Bleaney, prosecuting, said planning officers became involved in May last year after complaints from villagers.

An inspection revealed "substantial" work at the property, despite its having permission only to be used as a home and for the storage of electrical goods.

Mr Garrard was contacted in Cornwall, and later met council officers, who told him he needed permission and gave him application forms.

But Mr Bleaney told magistrates that Mr Garrard showed "no inclination" to comply with their requests or the notices served on him.

The case continues.