Chesterfield Developer Displays 100ft Union Flag After Council Dispute

James Holmes, a property developer in Chesterfield, has installed a massive 100ft Union Jack flag on a former council building after a smaller 36ft flag was ordered removed by Chesterfield Borough Council for being an "unauthorised advertisement" promoting his Fly the Flag campaign. Holmes initially faced criticism and accusations of racism for the display, but he insists the flag is a symbol of British pride and a response to what he sees as unfair treatment by the council. After the smaller flag was destroyed by Storm Amy, Holmes spent £2,500 on an even larger flag without any branding or slogans, which the council confirmed does not violate planning laws and will not be removed. Holmes has expressed frustration with the council's handling of the situation and vows to fight any further enforcement action, emphasizing his desire to encourage people to proudly fly the Union Jack. Council representatives acknowledged Holmes' intent to honor national remembrance and stated the larger flag complies with regulations, while previous flags with commercial elements were subject to enforcement discussions. Holmes, who acquired the building in 2021 and plans to convert it into flats, has spent a significant sum on flags for his properties and remains defiant in his stance against what he perceives as attempts to suppress patriotic expression.