Residents fined for failure to remove unauthorised additions to their homes
Successful prosecutions against the owners of 12 residential properties across the borough have underlined Hounslow Council’s tough stance against breaches of planning control.
The prosecutions, which resulted in fines totalling £7000 and payment of the Council’s costs totalling a further £7200, were for failure to remove unauthorised rear extensions, large outbuildings, porches, canopies and uPVC windows, and for the unauthorised use of outbuildings as separate dwellings.
Of the 12 prosecutions, six have now complied with the terms of the enforcement notices and removed the structures. If the remaining six fail to comply, they could face a second prosecution.
Cllr Barbara Reid, Hounslow’s Executive Member for Planning and Environment, said: “Planning regulations are there for a reason and they apply to everyone, whether it’s a major developer or a resident wanting to make an alteration to their property.
“While officers will always try to remedy the situation through negotiation, we will not hesitate to take enforcement action against anyone who breaches planning controls - up to and including prosecution.
“We are stepping up our enforcement action, and will continue to name and shame offenders who ignore planning laws if, by publicising our successes, we can discourage others from breaking the rules.”
The provision of an effective enforcement service, which deters those who deliberately breach planning and building control legislation, detects breaches promptly, negotiates efficiently to remedy the situation and enforces and prosecutes where necessary, is an objective in the Hounslow Plan, the Council’s vision for the next four years.
To report unauthorised structures, land uses and advertisements, contact the Planning Enforcement Team on T: 020 8583 5555 or email planningenforcement@hounslow.gov.uk. For more information, visit www.hounslow.gov.uk/planning.
August 11, 2007
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