Officials are stepping in to clean up an “eyesore” piece of land in Bath after the “cavalier” owner failed to act.
B&NES Council will clear land behind Queenwood Avenue in Fairfield Park | Photo © B&NES Council
The site behind 18-25 Queenwood Avenue in densely populated Fairfield Park is strewn with building materials and vehicles, and surrounded by a fence put up without planning permission.
Bath and North East Somerset Council gave the owner until June 2019 to comply with an enforcement notice but the council was ignored.
Its direct action is the latest in a series of efforts to resolve long-running and difficult breaches.
Walcot ward member Councillor Richard Samuel told the planning committee on 3rd June: “I’m really pleased this has finally come to the committee for enforcement.
“I raised the original complaint on this land following representations from residents in 2017.
“It’s very difficult to get a sense of how damaging this is to the local environment and the impact it has on residents.
“It’s a very densely populated area. In previous times there have been chemicals left at the entrance.
“It’s seriously detrimental to the amenity of that neighbourhood.
“Originally the site was an open piece of land. It’s always been a backland green site.
“It’s a terrible eyesore.
“The owner has been completely cavalier in ignoring the council’s representations to clean it up.”
The council ordered to permanently remove all the items, remove the fencing and gates and demolish the buildings.
Planning officer Martin Almond said: “There’s been no attempt by the landowner to comply with the enforcement notice.
“Direct action offers the council the opportunity to complete the work required to ensure the notice is complied with.”
The planning committee unanimously agreed to approve direct action to clear the site.
The council will take steps to recover the costs of the work from the owner.
Stephen Sumner, Local Democracy Reporter
