[ad_1]
A COUPLE has agreed to leave a house they built in violation of planning laws within two years.
The property, located on the outskirts of Navan in Co Meath, was built by plumber Michael Murray, also known as Chris Murray, and his wife Rose 14 years ago. It will be demolished after they leave their home in September 2022.
In what was described as a long-running saga, the Meath County Council sued the couple more than a decade ago alleging that the property was an unauthorized development. In 2010, the High Court ruled in favor of the city council and ordered the house to be demolished.
A two-year suspension was imposed on the demolition order. The Murrays appealed that decision to the Supreme Court, which in 2017 upheld the lower court’s decision.
However, in a new proceeding started last year, the council said the Murrays did not comply with the order to demolish their home.
He filed an appeal with the Superior Court requesting his seizure and possible imprisonment for his alleged contempt of court.
The couple had rejected the council’s claims and denied they were in willful contempt of court.
They argued that the contempt proceeding should be vacated for reasons including delay and due to the change in the Murrays’ personal circumstances and their lack of resources.
The motion was presented yesterday before Judge Charles Meenan, who was told that after discussions between the parties, the parties had reached an agreement.
The Murrays, the judge heard, will remain in the 588-square-meter house in Faughan Hill, Bohermeen, Navan, Co Meath, for another two years.
They must vacate the property by September 24, 2022 and demolition work will take place after the family’s departure. As part of the agreement, the couple promised to swear in court that they would leave their home on the agreed date.
Judge Meenan welcomed the agreement and gave both parties the freedom to apply to the court should the need arise.
The courts have previously heard that before building their home, the Murrays applied for permission for a 283-square-meter loft bungalow for themselves and their three children on part of that lot. That was rejected. They did not appeal the council’s decision, which they claimed was a mistake.
They proceeded to build a house almost twice that size without a building permit.
They applied for the property retention permit, which was unsuccessful.
This resulted in the council initiating an enforcement procedure that resulted in a 2010 High Court ruling in favor of the local authority, which was upheld on appeal to the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court order to demolish the property was suspended, which expired in May 2018.
Online editors
[ad_2]