Flouting Planning - re-fined

Ignoring planning laws in south Warwickshire could land offenders in court with a big fine - whilst continuing to do so brings further penalties. That's the message from Stratford-on-Avon District Council after another successful prosecution this year by its planning enforcement team.  

Magistrates fined a local farmer from Fenny Compton, £18,000 plus costs in 2005, for putting up unauthorised buildings in the countryside. When he continued to retain and use the buildings he was taken back to Court where he was fined a further £2500, with £1000 costs, and dismantling of the buildings has now commenced.  

"This case recognises the importance of protecting the environment from unauthorised development, and the need to comply with planning rules," says Cllr Stuart Beese, portfolio holder for planning.  

"People who continue to break those rules and threaten the character of the district, risk legal action and significant penalties.  Communities sometimes accuse us of not doing enough to enforce those rules, so I hope this will demonstrate that the council does indeed have teeth and we will not be deterred from taking action, including repeated action, when we have to."  

Non-compliance with an enforcement notice is an offence, which because of its seriousness is punishable by a fine of up to £20,000.