The Wellington City Council is standing by its decision to demolish a bach being lived in by a man who now claims he's homeless.

The original bach on the capital's rugged south coast near Red Rocks, had been there for a hundred years and was heritage listed.

Duncan Mackay bought it in 2012 and started building a new one without consents.

That was demolished by council contractors yesterday, because it no longer resembled the original bach.

A council spokesperson said they issued a Notice to Mr Mackay to stop the unconsented building work.

They said he was also given notice in July to vacate the area and remove all materials and building equipment - something he has yet to do.