A WOMAN who failed to comply with a planning enforcement notice to remove structures built on green belt land in Alvechurch has been ordered to pay £167,428.
Tracie Carter, who owns land at Aqueduct Lane, had previously applied for planning permission in 2004 for six stables and the application was refused.
Bromsgrove District Council said, despite being refused planning permission, Ms Carter developed the land, to include a mobile home with decking for residential use, created a large stable block, manege, haystore, fencing and gates and vehicle access.
A spokesperson added a letterbox and sign displaying the name ‘Aqueduct Stables’ appeared and the site was advertised on Gum Tree as a ‘sports facility’.
The council said it was evident from site visits Ms Carter had moved into the mobile home and was renting out the stables and equine facilities to a third party.
The 51-year-old not only ignored the requirements of the planning enforcement notice but since it was issued, has further developed the land by adding another larger mobile home.
Ms Carter failed to attend for her trial and was found guilty in her absence.
She subsequently appeared before at Kidderminster Magistrates Court on Monday on warrant when the case was adjourned to for sentence.
In sentencing, the District Judge was required to have regard to any financial benefit which had accrued or could likely have accrued because of the unlawful development. Ms Carter failed to attend court for the hearing or provide any written mitigation and was fined £160,000 ordered to pay prosecution costs of £7,258 and a victim surcharge of £170.
Reflecting on the sentencing, Coun Philip Thomas, whose portfolio covers Planning and Regeneration, said: “This final outcome demonstrates that Bromsgrove District Council takes planning breaches seriously.”
