Agenda item

10.1

The Director of Development Services submitted a report on his investigation into complaints received concerning a breach of planning control in respect of the unauthorised use of land for the parking and storage of damaged vehicles and the unauthorised erection of a fence and gate on land between 12 and 14 Cooks Wood Road.  The report stated that the use of the area from previously undeveloped land, to the storage of vehicles would require a change of use.  A further assessment of the unauthorised use also viewed that it would harm the living conditions of neighbouring residents and would be liable to cause noise nuisance, and as such it was considered to be contrary to Policies B8 and H10 of the Unitary Development Plan.  With regard to the fence and gates that had been erected, it was stated that planning permission would be required as they were adjacent to the highway and over a metre in height.

10.2

The Committee heard representations from two local residents in support of enforcement action being undertaken to remove the cars.  Reference was made to ensuring the land was reinstated, with particular regard to the removal of any contamination and the replacement of Silver Birch trees that had been cut down.  Concern was also expressed that the fencing prevented access to the site and that the storage of cars caused a detrimental impact on the character of the area.  The Director of Development Services also referred to a written submission he had received in support of enforcement action being undertaken.  In response, the Director of Development Services stated that, whilst the land would be required to be reinstated, the owner could not be required to replace the Silver Birch trees that had been removed as they had not been protected.

10.3

RESOLVED: That the Director of Development Services or Head of Planning be (i) authorised to take all necessary steps including, if necessary, enforcement action, the service of a Stop Notice and the institution of legal proceedings, to secure the removal of the unauthorised vehicles and the cessation of the unauthorised use of the land for the parking and storage of vehicles on land between 12 and 14 Cooks Wood Road and (ii) requested to investigate if there was a right of way through the aforementioned site and notify the Health and Safety Executive of the unauthorised use.