A building has been demolished and five caravans removed from a farm in nearby Elmesthorpe after the owner failed to comply with enforcement notices.
Old Woodhouse Farm, on Burbage Common Road, also had four lighting columns taken away and a solid surface track dug up, all due to not having planning permission.
Helen Bloore, owner of Old Woodhouse Farm, failed to act on requests from Blaby District Council, so as a last resort the authority has removed the offending items under Section 178 of the Town and Country Planning Act.
Enforcement Services, supervised by Blaby District Council officers, entered the site on Thursday 27 February 2014.
They spent two days removing the caravans and lighting columns, demolishing a timber building, which was being used for car repairs, and digging up a solid surface track and replacing with fresh soil.
Mrs Bloore was originally served three enforcement notices in July 2012, and after being contact by the Council on several occasions requesting for her compliance, she was given a final notice in November 2013.
A further month was allowed for her co-operation to comply, but once again she failed to do so, which resulted in appointing Enforcement Services to carry out the works required.
Councillor Tony Greenwood, portfolio folder for Planning, Economic Development and Housing Strategy, said:
“Due to lack of action on Mrs Bloore’s behalf, Blaby District Council would no longer tolerate such significant breaches of planning control.
“We are committed to maintaining a high quality environment in the district and this case shows the Council will take direct action against those who choose to ignore the planning procedures in place.”
The Council is also considering further legal action against Mrs Bloore as failure to comply with an enforcement notice is an offence liable to prosecution in the Magistrate Courts, where fines of up to £20,000 may be imposed.
For more information visit www.blaby.gov.uk/planningenforcement, email planning.enforcement@blaby.gov.uk or call 0116 272 7575.
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