EXCLUSIVE: Tony Harvey (right) failed to obtain planning permission when he self-built the contemporary family home near Glastonbury, Somerset. The controversial property sits on agricultural land above the rural hamlet of West Compton. It is a single storey barn-style property that Mr Harvey believes is in keeping with the countryside location. But its sudden appearance sparked complaints from villagers who said its large glazed windows 'lit up like a Christmas tree' at night when the lights were turned on. One neighbour complained of light pollution coming from the property, adding: 'When he puts the lights on it is lit up and looks like an alien invasion from Mars .' Mr Harvey, a motor mechanic who runs a successful garage, was visited by local council officials 12 months ago who pointed out that the building was illegal. He applied for two retrospective planning permissions to retain the two bed home as either a residential dwelling or an agricultural workers dwelling. Both of these applications were rejected by planners at Somerset Council, who served an enforcement notice on Mr Harvey, stating he had to demolish the house within six months.
