Issue - meetings

The Committee considered an application for unauthorised engineering works and the creation of a concrete base for an outbuilding.

Councillor M Whitehand, Ward Councillor, commented that she completely agreed with the Planning Officers recommendation for enforcement action, however she felt that the compliance period for enforcement should be reduced to 3 months. The Ward Councillor commented that the continued non-engagement from the client, the unauthorised demolition of the dwelling on site and continued work, did not reassure her. For the sake of the neighbours, who had been greatly affected by the unauthorised work on this site, Councillor M Whitehand thought that the applicant should be made to carry out the enforcement works as soon as possible. The Planning Officer agreed that these works should be carried out as soon possible but explained he had only suggested 6 months as a caution and to try and prevent any appeal coming forward.

Several other points were raised by the Ward Councillor, which although were not a consideration in regard to this enforcement action, the Planning Officer agreed were an issue and would be monitored. The footprint of the main dwelling did look like it deviated from the planning consent and the Planning Officer was also very mindful of the effect the development on this site had on the neighbouring residents and he had been keeping in close contact with them.

Councillor M Whitehand proposed, and it was duly seconded by Councillor J Brown that the enforcement period be reduced to 3 months, rather than the proposed 6 months.

In accordance with Standing Order 22.2, the Chairman deemed that a division should be taken on the motion above and approval of the enforcement action.  The votes for and against the reduction of the enforcement period and approval of the enforcement action were recorded as follows.

In favour:                            Cllrs J Brown, A J Boote, S Dorsett, P Graves, S Oades, T Spenser and M Whitehand.

                                 TOTAL:  7

Against:                              None

                                 TOTAL:  0

Present but not voting:      Cllrs T Aziz and L M N Morales (Chairman).

                                 TOTAL:  2

The enforcement action and amended enforcement period was therefore approved.

RESOLVED

That Enforcement Action be authorised as detailed in the report, with an amended three-month enforcement period.