Buildings which broke planning laws removed

Buy photos » John Summers said last year the decision to remove the buildings could cost him his livelihood. 06.011.07.strat.nc (www.buyphotos247.com)

BUILDINGS which broke planning rules have been removed from a district poultry farm.

Stratford District Council issued an enforcement notice against Summers Poultry Farm, at Cank Farm, in Tanworth, and was successful in obtaining a high court order to have three unauthorised buildings demolished.

Last year we reported how owner, John Summers, said he was caught in a catch 22 situation as environment agency, Defra, were insisting upon the new buildings being built to comply with new legislation.

He claimed there was not time to apply for planning permission for the shelters and a chiller unit to meet the deadline for such changes.

But the council ruled the buildings were unauthorised and Birmingham's High Court subsequently ordered the buildings be demolished by January 19 and that no further development be carried out without planning permission.

The court also ordered the defendants pay the council’s full costs.

The unauthorised shelter, replacement shelter and chiller extension were removed by the owners prior to the deadline.

Council planning chief, Mike Gittus, said: "This is good news for local residents who have been campaigning against these unauthorised buildings with the full support of the district ward members Couns George Atkinson and Peter Oakley, as it can be seen that the High Court recognises and supports the concerns of the residents.

"Planning enforcement is a very complex area and can be a long draw out, expensive process such as in this case, giving all parties the necessary time to put all defences in place and is not something that can be resolved overnight."

Mr Summers said a planning appeal decision was still pending in relation to a chiller unit and a mobile shelter of which the outcome was expected shortly.

He told the Observer: "Summers Poultry, never had a problem removing the buildings in question if required to do so. However, we wanted to be afforded all due process available to us before carrying out their removal."

John Summers said last year the decision to remove the buildings could cost him his livelihood. 06.011.07.strat.nc (www.buyphotos247.com)