7 July 2008

Ignoring planning rules leads to a £1000 fine

A Wealden man was fined £1000 and ordered to pay £715 costs by Lewes Magistrates for ignoring planning enforcement action taken by Wealden District Council.

Mr Walter Harris had been living in a mobile home at Leeland, Monks Lane, Cousley Wood, Wadhurst, without planning permission and had installed a septic tank on the site.

"From time to time people think they can intrude on Wealden's outstanding landscape by creating temporary homes in the countryside without gaining proper planning permission," said Councillor Roy Galley, Cabinet member for Strategic Planning & Housing Delivery.

"We have clear planning guidelines about where homes can be situated. That is why we are able to preserve the Wealden landscape for everyone to enjoy and take pride in. If we ignore these guidelines, we will be left with a mess of buildings and the blame from future generations."

Having ignored stop notices and enforcement notices issued by Wealden District Council regarding his activities on the site, Mr Walter Harris was charged with five offences including stationing a mobile home and installing a septic tank without planning permission.

Mr Harris declined to make any comment at the proceedings.