Action has been taken to clear untidy land surrounding a property in Enderby following complaints from the local community.

Terence Cross, owner of 20 Hall Walk, Enderby, failed to act on requests from Blaby District Council to clear the site so as a last resort the authority has removed the rubbish under Section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act.

Enforcement Services Ltd, supervised by Blaby District Council officers, entered the site on Thursday 2 January 2014 and cleared away lorry loads of litter.

This included old cars, tyres, bicycles, furniture, building materials, fridges and freezers, garage doors, gas bottles, asbestos sheeting, domestic waste and a kitchen sink.

Mr Cross was previously prosecuted in 2003 after he was served his first untidy land notice.

He subsequently cleared some of the land, but the rubbish since built up and the property continued to fall into decline.

He was then served a second untidy land notice in September 2012, and Mr Cross failed to comply even though numerous requests were made by Blaby District Council.

Councillor Tony Greenwood, portfolio folder for Planning, Economic Development and Housing Strategy, said:

“Due to lack of action on Mr Cross’ 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 unsightly land and buildings if owners allow their sites to fall into such a poor condition.”

The Section 215 Notice also required Mr Cross to carry out improvements to his house such as trimming hedges and re-instating stone cladding, as well as clearing the surrounding land of all stored rubbish.

For more information visit www.blaby.gov.uk/planningenforcement, email planning.enforcement@blaby.gov.uk or call 0116 272 7575.