Mark Hepburn Must Remove £740,000 Tennis Court from Hampshire

Winchester City Council’s enforcement notice now forces former Starbucks franchisee Mark Hepburn to strip his Durley property of the unauthorized tennis court and any other out‑of‑bailike structures within six months.

Hepburn bought the 6‑bedroom Cupressus estate for £740,000 in December 2017 and then erected a blue tennis court, playground, gym, bar and even a pig pen, turning the agricultural plot into a private leisure complex.

Neighbors have complained of late‑night parties, bright lights, and the removal of mature trees that once sheltered local badgers and deer, arguing the development erodes the countryside’s character.

Winchester’s planning inspector concluded the land’s use violated agricultural policy and would damage the rural landscape, dismissing two appeals and upholding the council’s enforcement action.

The council will monitor compliance until the deadline, after which any failure could lead to fines or compulsory demolition of the structures.