The case of a Fermanagh farmer who has been fined £76,000 for failing to demolish his home is to be referred to Environment Minister Mark H. Durkan.

Adrian John Orr built the bungalow at Derryclawan Road, Lisbellaw, without planning permission.

Yesterday (Wednesday) he was fined £28,000 at Fermanagh Court for failing to comply with an Enforcement Notice requiring him to demolish the property.

It is the fourth time Orr has been convicted of the offence and each time the fines have increased. On September 14, 2011, he was fined £3,000; on June 6, 2012, he was fined £20,000; and on May 8, 2013, he was fined £25,000.

Orr was not present nor legally represented at yesterday’s proceedings.

A senior enforcement officer with the Department of Environment’s Planning Service told the court that the Enforcement Notice was issued on September 7, 2010.

He handed in photographs taken on January 28, this year, showing that Orr has not complied with the Notice requiring him “to demolish the dwelling in question and remove all the rubble”.

District Judge Nigel Broderick pointed out that nearly two and a half years after the Notice was served the house is still there.

“It’s occupied,” the planning officer confirmed. “I have no doubt about that.” The District Judge said he was aware that the two most recent fines, for £20,000 and £25,000, were not paid because Orr had been in contact with the Court Office asking for time to pay and his request had been refused.

The District Judge asked what would happen next.

The planning officer said it would become a “political matter”, explaining that: “It will be referred to the Minister now for him to make a decision.” The District Judge asked if there was anything else which could be done.

The planning officer replied: “There is one further option but it has never happened in Northern Ireland and that’s demolition by the Department.

“The Minister would have to take that decision,” he added.