Fined

Landowner fined over unauthorised green belt development



A landowner has been ordered to pay more than £900 after carrying out unauthorised development on green belt land in Rotherham.


Andrew Reynolds, 48, of Grangewood Road, Laughton-en-le-Morthen, South Yorkshire, was fined and ordered to pay council costs following his court hearing on 5th September 2017 for failing to comply with an enforcement notice.

Rotherham Council had initially received complaints from local residents after a hard-standing area was constructed on green belt land close to Mr Reynold’s property.

A building was also erected on the land, which was believed to be used for outside storage.

The owner submitted a planning application retrospectively, which was refused by the council, and an enforcement notice was served requiring the owner to demolish the building and stop using the land.

Mr Reynolds told Sheffield Magistrates that he had not removed the building due to personal circumstances at the time, however, he had taken steps to do so before the court hearing.

Mr Reynolds appealed against the refusal of the planning application, but it was dismissed.

Although the building was subsequently demolished, the court ordered Mr Reynolds to pay a £250 fine, costs totalling £653.54 and a victim surcharge of £30.

“This case shows that we are prepared to take court action against those who breach planning laws,” said Cllr Denise Lelliott, Rotherham Council’s cabinet member of jobs and the local economy.

“Other residents were concerned about the encroachment on to green belt land and I hope the case will help raise awareness that people cannot simply build on land in this way without seeking the correct permissions.”



Leave a comment