James you are correct, there isnt enough clearance to slice the nut off, the thread goes beyond the point where the hub starts. And battering it with the punch isnt working now cos the whole lot is spinning.
I have since found that the nut and thread were the easy bits, its the bearing shaft inside thats the bugger.
I have got all the plumbing and rad out tonight to give me more room.
Tempted to see if I can grind/cut a section of the fan hub off to give access for the big grinder to slice the shaft off, but it seems to be ally, so wary of grinding that, dont fancy exploding discs
Still think the new ( 2nd hand case) is the easiest option, assumin, I can get the flippin crankshaft bolt and pulley off.
Thanks for all the ideas chaps - keep em coming.