Arun District Council takes Littlehampton firm to court

IGNORING a planning enforcement notice has led to a fine of £2,000 and costs of £220 for a Littlehampton business.
By The Newsroom
Published 2nd Aug 2012, 15:29 BST

Littlehampton Marina Ltd pleaded guilty to failing to comply with an enforcement notice served by Arun District Council at Worthing Magistrates’ Court on Monday, July 23.

Littlehampton Marina Ltd had converted an office building at the Marina to two self-contained flats without planning permission.

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The company had failed to remove showers and kitchen facilities that had been installed without the proper permission. An enforcement notice was served in 2009. The company appealed against this but it was dismissed in November, 2009.

In 2010 the firm applied for planning permission but this was refused. An appeal against this decision was also made but this was also dismissed by the planning inspectorate, in 2011.

Littlehampton Marina Ltd was warned that failure to comply with the notice was an offence and could lead to court proceedings.

However, an inspection in March, this year, revealed that the notice had not been adhered to.

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The council warned if the breach is not resolved, further action could be taken.

Councillor Ricky Bower, Arun’s cabinet member for planning, said after the hearing: “Despite repeated warnings and the enforcement notice, Littlehampton Marina Ltd failed to comply with planning laws and we were left with no option but to pursue court proceedings. I’d urge Littlehampton Marina Ltd to comply with the notice as soon as possible.”