Unauthorised structure

A Penygroes couple have been found guilty of failing to comply with an enforcement notice to take down a large structure in front of their home.

Carmarthen Magistrates convicted Steven and Sian Jones in their absence of an offence contrary to Section 171D of The Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

The court was told that a Carmarthenshire County Council planning enforcement officer visited their home at Glan y Gors, Penygroes, regarding a complaint that a structure had been erected at the property without the benefit of planning permission. The visit established that this was the case.

Mr and Mrs Jones were served with a Planning Contravention Notice to establish further details regarding the unauthorised works. The PCN is a legal document required to be returned within 21 days, and Mr Mrs Jones failed to return the legal document. They were subsequently issued with a seven day reminder to which they again failed to respond.

Mr Jones was fined £200, and ordered to pay prosecution costs of £98.13 and a victim surcharge of £20.

Mr and Mrs Jones were also served with an enforcement notice on February 17, 2014, requiring the unauthorised structure at the front of the property to be demolished and removed off the land by May 17. Should this not be complied with then the council’s legal department will again seek further prosecution proceedings for non compliance with the enforcement notice.

Executive board member for enforcement Cllr Jim Jones said: “The local planning authority will investigate all breaches of planning control and take action when appropriate.”