Council successfully secures restoration of Green Belt land following enforcement action
Castle Point Borough Council has taken decisive action to protect the borough’s Green Belt after two properties on Rivenhall were found to have unlawfully extended their gardens into protected land.
Following an investigation by the Council’s Planning Enforcement Team, one property owner voluntarily complied with the requirements to return the land to its lawful condition. This work included reinstating the original boundary line and stopping the use of Green Belt land as part of the residential garden.
A second property owner appealed an enforcement notice issued by the Council. The Planning Inspectorate dismissed the appeal in full, upholding the Council’s position and confirming that the unauthorised extension of garden land into the Green Belt was unacceptable. As a result, the owner has been required to restore the land to its previous state, including relocating boundary fencing to its lawful position and demolishing an outbuilding constructed on the encroached land without planning permission.
These outcomes demonstrate the Council’s firm commitment to protecting the Green Belt from unauthorised development and ensuring valuable open spaces are preserved for future generations.
Councillor Tim Copsey, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning said: “Protecting the Green Belt is vital for our communities and the character of our borough. By removing these non-permitted encroachments, we can safeguard and retain our precious Green Belt for the benefit of residents, wildlife and future generations. I am very pleased to see decisive enforcement action resulting in the proper restoration of this important land.”
The Council will continue to monitor Green Belt land closely and will take enforcement action where necessary to prevent harmful or unauthorised development.
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