http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&z=17&ll=53.64161,-1.952112&spn=0.003218,0.007274&t=h&om=1

Apparently, they couldn't be convinced to sell their house for the motorway project, and successfully argued that the historical value of the house was enough to not justify its via eminent domain.

Pyhrric victory comes to mind. But you don't have to worry about neighbors. At least of the stationary kind.

Update: BBC article with more details.