09/06/2022 - Successful outcome for planning offences case in the town

In 2019 the planning enforcement team received reports of the construction of a large garage building at 28 South Drift Way which had been constructed without planning permission. It was also suspected that it was being used to house unauthorised car repairs. The owner submitted a retrospective planning application which was refused. The property owner refused to comply with the council’s requests to remove the building and stop carrying out vehicle repairs and as a result, the council served an enforcement notice which required it to be demolished by January 2022.

Unfortunately, despite continued visits and attempts by the council the property owner did not initially comply with the enforcement notice. It was not until enforcement officers informed them of the prospect of prosecution for the non-compliance with the enforcement notice that the property owner finally agreed that they would demolish the building. In May 2022 the owner finally demolished the garage building and stopped the alleged vehicle repairs and so full compliance with the enforcement notice has been achieved.

Cllr Rob Roche portfolio holder for Strategic Planning said, “The council will pursue breaches of planning and unauthorised building control works and this case represents a perfect example of the diligent pursuit of unauthorised development by enforcement officers.

“It also shows that where the council consider that development is inappropriate and causing unacceptable harm that enforcement will continue to pursue the offenders until a satisfactory resolution is reached”.

The council places great importance on protecting and enhancing the quality of the built and natural environment and the enforcement of planning control is a key activity in ensuring that this strategic vision is not undermined.  Find out more about planning enforcement and the process.

To report unauthorised building work email, [email protected].