A homeowner who failed to pay a fine for breaching planning rules could face court. A council has agreed to seek prosecution against after issuing an enforcement notice, which has not been met.
The case involved James Bevis and his partner Louise, who spent £3,000 building a sunroom and garage at the side of their corner house five years ago. Planners objected, saying the building was too far forward from the front of the home.
At a recent planning committee meeting, councillors heard a Fixed Penalty Notice had been issued to the couple from Midlothian in Scotland. The fine was issued after they failed to demolish the sunroom and garage but had not been paid, EdinburghLive reports.
Ward councillor Bryan Pottinger expressed concern over the action, telling the committee: "I can't see many reasons or how it affects the sight line and I wondered how many public objections there were and how it was officially raised to begin with and did we seek a compromise. I understand it is outwith the guidelines. It is a tidy building that matches the area."
At the time of the planning application for the addition to the home, the officers' report said no letters of objection were received and two neighbours wrote in support of it.
Councillor Pottinger was told the council and homeowner had gone through the planning process and it was a breach that required the next course of action. The action was unanimously approved by the committee.
