Resident told to pull down unauthorised buildings

A householder has been instructed to demolish outbuildings and lower the level of land in her garden after going ahead with the work without planning permission.

After being found guilty of failing to comply with an enforcement notice, Shussana Kadiana Palmer, of Downsview Road, Upper Norwood, was fined £1,000, and ordered to pay costs of £5,582.25 and a £300 surcharge.

Croydon Magistrates’ Court, on 26 April, heard that she had failed to comply with the council’s notice, served on 3 September 2014, in relation to unauthorised steel-framed, timber-clad outbuildings covering a swimming pool and spa, an over-height boundary wall, and raised land levels in the rear garden of her property.

The notice had been served because the unauthorised development was considered to have an adverse impact upon neighbours as it was so out of keeping with the character of the house and surrounding area.

The notice requires the demolition of the unauthorised outbuildings, the reduction in the height of the boundary wall to no more than two metres, and the reduction of the unauthorised land level, to the level it had been prior to the works taking place.

Councillor Alison Butler, deputy leader and cabinet member for homes, regeneration and planning

“This householder has learned, to her cost, that the planning laws are there for a reason, and are not to be trifled with.

“As well as the initial expense of putting up the unauthorised outbuildings, this resident now faces the cost of demolition added to nearly £7,000 in court penalties.

“This should be a lesson to anybody considering going ahead with ill-conceived developments in contravention of planning directives put in place to protect the local environment and neighbouring residents who might be adversely affected.

“If you’re looking to develop your property, please seek planning advice – and then take it!

“I understand that the defendant is already taking the matter in hand to resolve the issues, and council officers will continue to monitor the site to ensure that a satisfactory outcome is reached.”

2016-05-10T09:57:09+01:00 May 10th, 2016|Recent news|