A man has been ordered by a judge at Bradford Magistrates Court to pay over £20,000 for a breach of a Planning Enforcement Notice.
Mr Mohammed Amin failed to comply with a Planning Enforcement Notice issued by Bradford Council in respect of his property at 109 Oak Lane.
The offence related to the unauthorised installation of a replacement shopfront to the property, which is in a conservation area, as well as for an externally mounted roller shutter with the associated shutter box on the north facing elevation of the building.
The judge imposed a fine of £16,200, as well as £2,698.50 costs granted, and £2,000 victim surcharge. A total of £20,898.50 is payable at a rate of £700 per month. The court case took place on Wednesday 3 September where a plea of ‘guilty’ was tendered on the defendant’s behalf.
A spokesperson for Bradford Council said: “It is the largest fine we’ve had in recent years for this type of court case, and it sends a clear message that we will continue to pursue those who flout planning laws. The Council will continue to pursue compliance with the requirements of the Enforcement Notice.”
“We would urge all businesses and residents who receive an enforcement notice to engage with our Planning Service proactively so we can ensure issues are resolved before they reach this stage. Once an enforcement reaches the stage of a court hearing the costs of complying increase hugely and, as this example shows, it can prove very costly for the defendant.”
