A homeowner has been ordered to pay more than £2,000 for failing to remove a raised terrace which was ‘unacceptably overlooking’ gardens of his neighbours.
Jermain Morrison carried out the works at his property in Croxley Green, Hertfordshire, without planning permission, Three Rivers District Council has ruled.
Planning officers say they were then left with ‘no choice’ but to issue an enforcement notice after Morrison ‘failed to co-operate’.
No appeal was made following service of the notice – but the homeowner still made no effort to remove the works, TRDC said in a statement.
Morrison has now been found guilty of failing to comply with an enforcement notice, at St Albans Magistrates’ Court.
Jermain Morrison carried out the works at his property on Oakleigh Drive in Croxley Green, Hertfordshire, pictured
He was fined £750, with costs awarded to the council in the sum of £1,720 and a victim surcharge of £280.
Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst, TRDC’s leader, said: ‘Unlike many other planning breaches which are rectified through effective co-operation and negotiation with homeowners, officers had no choice but to prosecute in this instance.
‘The owner made his thoughts clear early on and maintained his innocence until the end.
‘It is hoped that this case acts as a warning to those that do not wish to engage with planning officers.’
The council says it is now considering its next steps to ensure that the raised patio is removed.
A spokesperson said: ‘It is always important to check with the district council’s planning department prior to undertaking extension or alteration works.
‘It is advisable to either utilise the council’s free householder duty planner service or submit a certificate of lawfulness to ascertain whether the works would be permitted development or not.’
