Agenda item

The Committee were addressed by a local resident who outlined the history of the site, and, following the second refusal of planning permission by Councillors, felt that enforcement action should follow.  He noted the frustration of the Parish Council and local residents and asked that enforcement action now be pursued.

The Case Officer for Service Delivery advised the Committee that since their previous meeting on Wednesday 26^th June 2019 where they had refused permission for a garden store at Southernaways Cottage, Water Street, Seavington St Mary, it had been confirmed in writing by both the agent and applicant that the decision to refuse the application would be appealed, rather than submit a revised application for the re-siting the garden store, which had been encouraged by Members.  An appeal against the decision had been received on 22 July 2019.

In response to questions from Members, the Development Management Specialist advised that a stop notice could have been issued following the officers visit the previous year when the applicants were advised to cease works, however, there were cost implications in doing this if a subsequent appeal was successful.  He advised on the likely time periods for household and enforcement appeals but he said they could be run concurrently by the Planning Inspectorate. 

During a short debate, Members felt that enforcement action was appropriate in this case and asked officers to proceed with issuing the necessary enforcement paperwork.

At the conclusion of the debate, it was proposed and seconded to proceed with enforcement action against the garden store only and the proposal was passed unanimously.

(Voting: unanimous in favour)