City’s Planning Enforcement Officers rise to the challenge
The number of planning Enforcement Notices issued by Winchester City Council is on the rise.13 Enforcement Notices have already been issued this year. Three of these were issued in a single day for cases ranging from an unauthorised extension of a residential curtilage, an unauthorised residential mobile home, through to an unauthorised marquee at a Country Club.
The Team is also currently pursuing a number of prosecutions. They are hoping to make more use of injunctions and direct action to resolve cases where Enforcement Notices are not being complied with.
Simon Finch, Head of Planning Control at Winchester City Council, said: “Recent investment in resources and a dedicated, full-strength team are helping to ensure that those who do not comply with planning laws are being held to account”.
Cllr Keith Wood, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Access, is pleased with the City Council's determined approach towards planning enforcement. He said:
“Winchester City Council’s Enforcement Team has been working round the clock; reacting quickly to new cases whilst continuing to deal with complex previous cases. I’m delighted that we can send out a strong message to those who would attempt to flout the district's planning rules.”
The Council has recently published its ‘Enforcement Policy’ which sets out the ways in which it deals with Enforcement cases.
The policy can be viewed online at:
http://www.winchester.gov.uk/EnvironmentAndPlanning/Planning/PlanningEnforcement/