Enforcement boosted

Mole Valley Council is taking steps to increase the level of enforcement action taken against people who do not respect the planning rules. An extra member of staff has been assigned to the task, meaning that issues can be followed up more quickly.

Liberal Democrat Councillor, Jo Farrar-Astrop, says, “Residents are rightly concerned when people start building or putting mobile homes into fields in the Green Belt without planning permission. I am aware of situations in Charlwood and Newdigate where this is happening and the Council is taking action. It’s not just housing development that causes issues. It can be businesses starting up or changing their operations without first getting the necessary permissions.

Unfortunately, enforcement is not a quick process. There are delays involved because recipients of enforcement notices have to be given 6 months to rectify the position. This can lead to frustration because there is no visible sign of action being taken. However, rest assured that the Council takes this behaviour very seriously and will pursue offenders vigorously.”