Rossendale Borough Council has won an appeal, upholding an Enforcement Notice issued against a breach of planning control to the bridleway on Helmshore Road, Haslingden.
Following a complaint in January 2023, Planning Enforcement Officers conducted an initial investigation which revealed unauthorised work had taken place including, widening to the trail, removal of hedgerows and tress, and the excavation of a ditch to the path leading down to Irwell Vale. A Temporary Stop Notice was issued on 30th January 2023 to prevent any further works however, the developments works continued.
An Enforcement Notice was served at the end of March 2023 in response to the breach of planning regulations requesting the route be reinstated to its original form including the removal of imported materials, re-creation of grass land and planting of hedgerows and trees. The offenders appealed the notice, contesting the Council’s findings and enforcement action.
Following the collation of comprehensive evidence submitted in June 2023, the appeal was investigated by the Planning Inspectorate. A site visit was carried out in May 2024 and a decision was issued on 10th June 2024 upholding the Enforcement Notice, with an amend to provide the offenders with a 6 month compliance period, rather than the initial 3 month timeframe.
"We are delighted with the Planning Inspectorate’s decision to uphold our Enforcement Notice," said Gareth Walker, Senior Planning Enforcement Officer. "The outcome reaffirms our commitment to enforcing planning regulations and our legal rights to protect Rossendale’s community from unauthorised developments that could have long-term negative impacts."
The Council urges residents to report any suspected breaches of planning control regulations to them via the Council’s website https://bit.ly/rbcreportit