Decision details

Decision:

This decision is taken under delegated powers set out in Paragraph 145 of the Officer Scheme of Delegation in the Council’s constitution, which grants delegated authority to undertake all action in order to regulate any actual, perceived or potential breach of any of the Town and Country Planning Legislation including:

to determine whether or not to take and/or to cease action whether because in

his/her opinion the breach is trivial, there is insufficient demonstrable harm and/or, it is not expedient to take / continue to take action.

This authority has been delegated to me through the Local Scheme of Nomination for the Executive Director for Place.

The initial concern regarding the two structures—a cabin and a caravan—was raised by the Revenues Team, who noted that no fees were being paid in relation to the properties. 

 Following the referral to Enforcement, the Revenues Team conducted their own site visit to assess appropriate charges. As a result, both properties are now subject to council tax, as confirmed through a desk-based investigation. 

The date of substantial completion for both the cabin and the caravan indicates that they are approaching (if not surpassed) the 10-year threshold for immunity from enforcement action. No complaints or objections have ever been received concerning the physical appearance or impact of the structures. 

Given that the original issue has been resolved by the Revenues Team, no demonstrable harm is evident, and there is no planning interest in pursuing formal action. It is therefore considered not expedient to proceed with enforcement. 

The alternative option would be to pursue formal enforcement action. However, due to this matter being of low planning harm, it is not expedient to pursue formal action. This is in line with Government guidance which suggests that Local Planning Authorities should act proportionately in responding to suspected breaches of planning control. 

None.

None.

None.