THE number of complaints about alleged breaches of planning rules has reached a record high.
A total of 865 reports were made during 2007/8 – nearly double the number four years ago.
As a result, officials issued a record 79 planning contravention notices and 12 enforcement notices for such things as storing caravans, changing the use of land and constructing new buildings without permission.
Calderdale Council's planning boss has now promised to get tough on people who go against the rules.
"The increased number of contravention notices reflects the fact that we are trying to resolve cases more quickly and acting where appropriate where no positive response is received from the developer," according to acting head of planning and regeneneration Andy Edwards.
The council only investigates written complaints about alleged breaches of planning rules, and only takes action against developments which are not in accordance with policy and cause serious harm.
"Minor breaches or minor developments would not attract enforcement action, regardless of the amount of concern that has been raised," Mr Edwards told the planning committee.
Enforcement officers are considering taking "direct action" against Chris Turczak over a stable block and associated work at Long Heys Farm, Greetland.
A Government-appointed planning inspector said: "The building has the general appearance, dimensions and construction of a detached bungalow and does not preserve the openness of the green belt."
Enforcement notices have been served over the past year on the owner of the Casa del Lago restaurant in Elland Road, Brighouse, which has a marquee in the grounds without approval. A planning inquiry into the case is due to be held next January.
Notices were also served on the following: the owner of a property in Savile Park Road, Halifax, for unauthorised fencing and decking; the use of a house at The Gardens, Halifax, for commercial food preparation; the positioning of a caravan at Bownhill, Foxen Lane, Soyland; caravans at Crow Hill Road, Triangle; the foundations for house at Lumb Lane, Cragg Vale; a wooden hut at Scout Hall Farm, Shibden; the partial erection of a building at Broad Ings Farm, Withens End, Rishworth; an extension to Millstream, Dam Head, Shibden; accommodation at South Shields Farm, Wadsworth; and the use of a railway arch as a taxi office at Walton Street, Sowerby Bridge.
Since April, the council has issued another eight enforcement notices for advertisement displays at Withens End Lane, Rishworth; a garden on agricultural land at Broad Carr Lane, Holywell Green; an advertisement at Beverley Terrace, Boothtown; the construction of a house at Sycamore View, Brighouse; and a new access track and caravan at High Greenwood Farm, Heptonstall.
The full article contains 465 words and appears in Evening Courier newspaper.
