Seek Permission before Planning

Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Planning Enforcement Team has been busy during 2007 with the latest of a series of successful prosecutions being confirmed in the Courts at the end of last year. 

On 7 November, Rugby Magistrates' court accepted guilty pleas from Mr and Mrs Sheasby from Hillanhi Farm, Napton, for failing to comply with an Enforcement Notice requiring removal of vehicles and general clutter from their land.  

The couple were each fined £500 with a further £1,000 each towards prosecution costs, giving a grand total of £3,000.  

"With this substantial prosecution, Stratford-on-Avon District Council is appealing to the public to take planning legislation seriously." Says Councillor Stephen Thirlwell.

"Fines like this, along with costs incurred by the Council to uphold policies, are frequently unnecessary and easily avoided, as our Enforcement Officers make strenuous efforts to find a negotiated solution before having to resort to formal action or prosecution. The public are the eyes and ears of the District and we rely on conscientious individuals to contact the Planning Enforcement Team if they suspect a breach of legislation."  

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