Maidenhead & Windsor

Windsor and Maidenhead Residents and developers who flout planning regulations or conditions are being warned by the Royal Borough that they could face enforcement action.

The warning follows eight recent successful enforcement prosecutions in local courts, demonstrating the Windsor and Maidenhead council's determination to take a tough approach to protect the local environment.

The prosecutions covered a range of offences, including unauthorised works to protected trees, non compliance with enforcement notices and non compliance with notices requiring land and buildings to be tidied up. All prosecutions resulted in convictions and fines of up to £8,000.

Cllr Derek Wilson, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead planning and housing, said it was unfortunate the council had to resort to court action to get people to adhere to planning legislation.

He added: "Planning laws are in place to help make the best use of our built environment for the benefit of everyone. These successful prosecutions highlight that the council will not sit back and allow people to flout planning regulations, particularly when advice for householders and small businesses is readily available from our professional planning officers."

Cllr Alison Knight, chief whip and lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead strategy, said: "I am pleased to see the borough taking a tough line against those who choose to break or ignore the rules. We made a firm manifesto pledge on enforcement action to protect our residents from inappropriate development and we are putting our words into action."

Earlier this year the Windsor and Maidenhead council also warned that it would not hesitate to take enforcement action against developers if they failed to comply with the terms of their planning conditions, resulting in long delays and additional cost if they had to submit further planning applications.

The Royal Borough advises everyone to seek planning advice before starting work. Advice is available through the council's customer service centre on 01628 683810.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead