Enforcement action is taken against landowner
May 4, 2021
An appeal has been dismissed by the Government’s Planning Inspector after an enforcement notice was served by the Authority for a harmful change of use on a farm.
Back in March 2020 an enforcement notice was served on the landowner of Land East of Pony Farm, near Worthing, in West Sussex.
The notice was served for the material change of use of the land from equestrian by the importation and storage of waste materials.
The activities taking place were deemed harmful to the landscape character of the locality, and failed to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area because of the size and type of waste material being imported.
The unauthorised change of use of the land also had a harmful visual impact on the rural landscape of the area and public amenity.
The landowner appealed the Enforcement Notice and applied for costs.
Following a lengthy appeal process, the Inspector has dismissed the appeal and costs application and the landowner has until 27 July 2021 to comply with the Enforcement Notice.
Heather Lealan, who leads enforcement for the National Park, said: “The South Downs National Park was designated for the entire nation for the incredible natural beauty of the landscape, as well as its biodiversity.
“This case is an important reminder that harming these special qualities, whether intentionally or unintentionally, can lead to enforcement action and is an issue taken very seriously by the Authority.”