A COUPLE were fined more than £1,000 after they tried to build a two bedroom house on their land.

Roy and Brenda Hughes, of Brownings Farmhouse, in Gravel Lane, Chigwell, were handed the fine on April 11.

The pair were told by Epping Forest council officers to tear down the two bedroom building when it was discovered in June 2016.

The husband and wife, who did not appeal the decision, were given a deadline of October 2016 to demolish the property.

A month later, council officers found the building was still standing and prosecuted the pair.

The couple admitted building without planning permission at Chelmsford Magistrates Court in February.

They were fined £880 for failing to comply with the notice, £616 in prosecution costs and an £88 victim surcharge.