Fined for ignoring Planning rules

Stratford-on-Avon District Council is reinforcing the message that ignoring planning laws could land offenders in court with fines and costs, following further successful prosecutions this year by its planning enforcement team.  

Magistrates have recently fined a coach operator £300 with costs for storing and repairing vehicles on land without planning permission.  This follows a previous conviction for the same matter in January 2006, when the same operator was fined £150 plus costs.  

Magistrates have also fined a local farmer £500 and costs for failing to comply with a planning condition relating to hedgerow replanting in Ettington.  

"These cases recognise the importance of protecting the countryside from all forms of inappropriate development, and the need to comply with planning rules and conditions," said Cllr Stuart Beese, the District Council's Portfolio Holder for Planning.  

"People who break those rules and threaten the character of the District risk legal action and significant penalties. We want to reassure our communities that the District Council will enforce those rules where appropriate, and we are seeking to encourage landowners, developers and operators to face up to their responsibilities."  

Non-compliance with an enforcement notice is an offence, which because of its seriousness is punishable by a fine of up to £20,000.  Non-compliance with a Breach of Condition Notice is punishable by a fine of up to £1,000.