A Forest of Dean businessman who failed to comply with a planning notice has been fined following a prosecution by the District Council.
Despite pleading not guilty at an earlier hearing, thumb Terence Prictor of Forest Road, Lydney, failed to appear at the trial at Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
In his absence the Magistrates heard that Mr Prictor had breached the terms of an enforcement notice issued by the District Council on 6 December 2013. The notice required the removal of all existing fencing, gates and means of enclosure within a courtyard area and a permanent close-boarded boundary fence to be erected in accordance with approved plans within three months of service of the notice. The new fencing was required by condition as part of the planning permission for the change of use of an existing dwelling to three self-contained maisonettes on land known as Brook Farm House, High Street, Blakeney.
Magistrates fined Mr Prictor £2,500, ordered him to pay a £120 victim surcharge and £1,588.50 costs.
Cllr Brian Robinson, Cabinet Member for Efficient Council and Planning Policy said: “The Council takes breaches of planning control very seriously. We believe that the result of this prosecution sends a strong message to those who fail to comply with planning requirements.”