Planning law....with enough funds can you ever lose?
Discussion
I'm feeling a little down hearted with the planning authorities/councils seeming lack of power when it comes to planning enforcement.
Example 1) Local land owner, farmer and aggregates emperor decides he wants to move his farm 500 yards, so that its on top of the hill - making it a larger group of buildings in the process and building a new farm house overlooking a grade 2 listed property etc. Despite protests from the residents, (only 10 other houses in a 3 mile radius, so our clout is limited) parish council, EA etc - planning is granted. Conditions stipulate he ceases to operate the old farm and does not cart hardcore on to the site from his other business interests. (Plus numerous other considerations)
All of the conditions were flouted, he even had an access road built in the wrong postion (by 'accident')....The local planning have said they cannot afford to fight him or take him to court.
Example 2) Haulage and concrete company purchased a local farm yard - previously this site was used as the base for an agricultural maintenance/drainage firm. This firm had one HGV which made 2 movements a week (out on a monday, return on a friday). New owner now has 8 HGVs (artics transporting 30t+ concrete slabs) making upto movements a day, and of course is also producing concrete on site too. They have had their retrospective planning application denied, but continue to appeal - wanting at least 12months to consider alternative solutions etc etc. Again, council/planning seem powerless to stop them.
I'm not a NIMBY - my other neighbours have a fleet of attack/transport helicopters + other kit
However, the roads here are very narrow with few passing places and are disintergrating under the weight of traffic - not to mention the issues with verge errosion and the danger to rest of us who drive/run/walk/cycle or ride.
Am I mad, is there nothing more that can be done? It seems if you can pay for appeals or continual 'new' applications then there is no power that can stop you.
//end rant//
Example 1) Local land owner, farmer and aggregates emperor decides he wants to move his farm 500 yards, so that its on top of the hill - making it a larger group of buildings in the process and building a new farm house overlooking a grade 2 listed property etc. Despite protests from the residents, (only 10 other houses in a 3 mile radius, so our clout is limited) parish council, EA etc - planning is granted. Conditions stipulate he ceases to operate the old farm and does not cart hardcore on to the site from his other business interests. (Plus numerous other considerations)
All of the conditions were flouted, he even had an access road built in the wrong postion (by 'accident')....The local planning have said they cannot afford to fight him or take him to court.
Example 2) Haulage and concrete company purchased a local farm yard - previously this site was used as the base for an agricultural maintenance/drainage firm. This firm had one HGV which made 2 movements a week (out on a monday, return on a friday). New owner now has 8 HGVs (artics transporting 30t+ concrete slabs) making upto movements a day, and of course is also producing concrete on site too. They have had their retrospective planning application denied, but continue to appeal - wanting at least 12months to consider alternative solutions etc etc. Again, council/planning seem powerless to stop them.
I'm not a NIMBY - my other neighbours have a fleet of attack/transport helicopters + other kit
However, the roads here are very narrow with few passing places and are disintergrating under the weight of traffic - not to mention the issues with verge errosion and the danger to rest of us who drive/run/walk/cycle or ride.Am I mad, is there nothing more that can be done? It seems if you can pay for appeals or continual 'new' applications then there is no power that can stop you.
//end rant//
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