James Holmes, 51, refused to back down when officials ordered the removal of his original flagJames Holmes, the developer who erected the huge flag. A huge Union Jack flag appears outside former council building in Chesterfield. The owner of the Chesterfield building covered its face with an even bigger Union Jack flag, even as he faces legal consequences from the borough council for breaching planning rules.James Holmes, 51, standing in front of the huge flag(Image: Tom Maddick / SWNS)

A man has emerged victorious in his fight to fly a 100ft Union Flag from a former council building, despite bureaucrats’ attempts to tear down a smaller version.

Property boss James Holmes, 51, stood his ground when officials labelled his original patriotic display as a “large-format advertisement” and ordered its removal.

The lag, adorned with a “Fly the Flag” slogan and QR code, was torn to shreds by Storm Amy earlier this month.

However, instead of conceding defeat, Mr Holmes splurged £2,500 on a new, even larger banner, this time without any branding or slogans.

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In a remarkable about-face, the Labour-led Chesterfield Borough Council has now surrendered, confirming that the gigantic Union Jack can remain in place.

A council spokesperson conceded: “It’s evident Mr Holmes is keen to recognise our national period of Remembrance, which we also value highly.

“The large Union Flag currently displayed does not breach any planning laws, so no enforcement action will be taken.”

James Holmes, the developer who erected the huge flag. A huge Union Jack flag appears outside former council building in Chesterfield. The owner of the Chesterfield building covered its face with an even bigger Union Jack flag, even as he faces legal consequences from the borough council for breaching planning rules.James Holmes says he is relieved the council has ‘finally seen sense'(Image: Tom Maddick / SWNS)

This backtracking follows months of disputes over flags hung on one side of the former North East Derbyshire District Council HQ in Chesterfield.

Mr Holmes, who has invested £15,000 on flags for the site and other properties he owns, said he was “relieved the council had finally seen some sense.”

He added: “I wouldn’t have taken the flag down anyway but at least the council have seen some sense.

A huge Union Jack flag appears outside former council building in Chesterfield. The owner of the Chesterfield building covered its face with an even bigger Union Jack flag, even as he faces legal consequences from the borough council for breaching planning rules.A huge Union Jack flag appears outside former council building in Chesterfield(Image: Tom Maddick / SWNS)

“It demonstrates how they’re wasting council taxpayers’ money. They work from home and don’t know anything, they’re useless.

“It shouldn’t have got to this stage in the first place.

“I never even saw it as being controversial, just encouraging people to fly the flag from the country they’re from.

A huge Union Jack flag appears outside former council building in Chesterfield. The owner of the Chesterfield building covered its face with an even bigger Union Jack flag, even as he faces legal consequences from the borough council for breaching planning rules.James said he was prepared to stand up to the council and see the flag fly(Image: Tom Maddick / SWNS)

“The reason we’ve got problems in this country is that they’re shaming people to keep their mouths shut.

“I don’t care, I’m prepared to stand up and see our flag fly like they do in other countries.”

The council has also announced plans to install a red poppy cascade on the Town Hall in time for Remembrance Day.