HE can huff and he can puff all he likes, but planners are determined to blow up to £40,000 on demolishing Charlie Cunningham s barn-cum-house. West Norfolk Borough Council is expected to await a final court hearing in March before going ahead with removi

HE can huff and he can puff all he likes, but planners are determined to blow up to £40,000 on demolishing Charlie Cunningham's barn-cum-house.

West Norfolk Borough Council is expected to await a final court hearing in March before going ahead with removing the building at Wheatley Bank, Walsoken.

However, local councillors have told residents that the council is considering tenders to have the barn removed.

Councillor Roy Groom said: "There has been progress and the council has put out the tenders to get the work carried out.

"I think there could be a legal situation since the cost is not a burden the council would want to fall upon themselves."

A council official said a summons was being issued for a court date in March when Mr Cunningham would be challenged over not complying with an enforcement order to remove the building.

She said the council had not yet received or accepted a tender for demolition but added that the council "is entitled to take reasonable steps in recovering their costs".

Councillor Carol Sharp, cabinet member for development, said: "Unauthorised development is a matter which this council views very seriously."

She said the council remained concerned that the building under construction was effectively a house, despite claims from Mr Cunningham that it was a barn.

"The building was constructed with many windows, domestic-sized doors, two storeys and internal walls," said Cllr Sharp.

However the council's concerns expressed before Christmas over the "ornate iron railings and gates" have prompted action from Mr Cunningham. He has since had them removed.