New planning enforcement powers help to provide a better service
Winchester City Council's planning department now has powers to stop unlawful development.
The Council can issue Temporary Stop Notices which result in an immediate halt to any development for a period of 28 days. These powers allow action to be taken immediately rather than having to wait for an enforcement notice to be served.
Already one notice has been served, with the threat of issuing notices preventing other unlawful development from continuing.
Cllr John Beveridge, the City Council's Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Planning, said these powers have proved to be extremely effective. "Regular monitoring by our strengthened enforcement team ensures they can make full use of these powers and developers know that we are ready to take swift action," he added.
Any breach of a Temporary Stop Notice could result in a fine of up to £20,000.