Council pleased with prosecution over planning enforcement

Date published: 22nd January 2025

A successful prosecution was granted in a planning enforcement case North Norfolk District Council brought to Kings Lynn Magistrates Court.

In December 2020, the Council served an Enforcement Notice following unauthorised works which were carried out on a property in Great Ryburgh, involving harmful works to the roof of the property.

The Enforcement Notice mandated a return of the property to its original condition and the deadline for compliance was extended by the Planning Inspectorate, following an unsuccessful appeal by the property owner.

The property owner subsequently failed to undertake these works or respond to requests, leading to the Council seeking a prosecution for failing to comply with the Planning Enforcement Notice. 

At Kings Lynn Magistrates Court, the Court found the property owner guilty and issued a £2,000 fine, a £800 Victim Surcharge and the District Council was awarded full costs of £3,600. 

The Council will now be seeking to obtain compliance with the enforcement notice.

Cllr. Andrew Brown, portfolio holder for Planning & Enforcement said:

“North Norfolk District Council is pleased with the ruling of the court, and that the enforcement will be carried out.

The planning and enforcement process ensures that unauthorised and unsafe works to a building are prevented.”

In the event that the property owner does not voluntarily carry out the required remedial work, then the Council has the option to undertake the works and recover the costs in full of the owner.