03 September 2010A Westerham landowner who failed to comply with two enforcement notices was successfully prosecuted last week.
Mark Andrew Arnold of 91 Bridge Place, Gloucester Road, Croydon was found guilty at Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court of breaching two existing enforcement notices on land he owns at Hosey Common in Westerham.
When Mr Arnold brought the land in 2005, he was aware that three enforcement notices had been served on previous owners of the site, however he failed to comply with two of these notices.
The notices required the removal of caravans and the removal of motor vehicles, vehicle parts, building materials, builders rubble and domestic items not used in connection with agriculture.
Whilst he cleared the site to some extent he allowed a friend to keep his scaffolding equipment and vehicles there, and also brought a caravan onto the site.
At the time the court summonses were issued, in August 2007, the site was very untidy and part of it covered with building materials and vehicles.
Mr Arnold pleaded Not Guilty to both offences, however although the court noted that Mr Arnold had made efforts to comply with the second notice he was convicted on both counts. He was fined £1,000 in total and ordered to pay £50 costs.
Cllr Gary Williamson, Sevenoaks District Council Cabinet Member with responsiblity for planning issues, says: "These notices were issued as the landowner failed to clear the items despite several requests. We know our residents highly value the character and landscape of the District, and the Council will not tolerate behaviour which is detrimental to this, and will take action to preserve it when necessary."
The case was heard by Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court on Monday 14 January.
