Clavering landowner ordered to clean up eyesore after court rejects enforcement appeal

A MAN who was ordered to clean up his land after it became an “eyesore” has been told to pay almost £3,000 in costs after a court threw out his appeal against an Enforcement Notice.

Uttlesford District Council used its powers under the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 to serve notice on Richard Talks following complaints from residents.

Magistrates in Colchester heard that his land off Honey Lane in Starling’s Green, Clavering, was littered with building materials, vehicle bodies, shipping containers, tyres and waste.

The council served notice on Mr Talks, 59, on September 10 last year but he exercised his right of appeal to JPs.

However, after hearing from both parties on May 31, magistrates dismissed the appeal and ordered him to pay the £2,951.20 costs of the hearing.

As well as stumping up legal costs, Mr Talks now has three months to clear his land as originally requested by the council – or face being prosecuted for breaching a court order.

Cllr Alastair Walters, cabinet member for Community Safety, said: “I am delighted the magistrates dismissed this appeal.

“We take our enforcement responsibilities extremely seriously and won’t hesitate to act against the owners of properties which adversely affect the amenity of the surrounding area.

“This man’s land has become a complete eyesore – it’s a blot on the landscape that has quite understandably caused concern to local residents.

“This is exactly the kind of case we should be using our statutory enforcement powers to resolve and I’m delighted the magistrates agreed with our stance.”