Today I received a visit from the Borough planning department. They wanted to look in my garage as part of a programme of inspections, which they have power to do (s 196a). Fortunately it contains only a car, bikes, tools and parts so that's fine. If it had been used as living accommodation or for running a business without planning permission, I would have been in difficulties; Town and Country Planning Act 1990 s 57 refers. Take note anyone who may be using their garage in this way - there's a risk.
Is that with an owner owned garage or a rental . Surely what I do in my garage is my business . Think , in fact I know , I`d tell em to fuck off . I thought that the only people allowed to access your premises, without a warrant, was the customs and excise even the police have to be invited or have a warrant. Has someone made a complaint for them to act like this.
Must be a council thing? 'Activities' on private dwellings are covered in the property deeds, surprising when you read that you are not supposed to keep caravans, goods vehicles, etc. shows that nobody polices these things.
Really? If what you do in your garage (or house, flat or factory) requires planning permission which you haven't got, you're in trouble. That is so ever since the T&CP Act 1947. And if you obstruct planning inspectors you can be fined up to £1000 - and still have to grant access.
That's something completely different. If the deeds of your property contain restrictive covenants which stop you from doing certain things, but you do those things anyway, somebody else with the benefit of the covenants may legally stop you - nothing to do with planning permission. They may not be bothered, of course.
True if they have some evidence of wrong doing but they cant just land and expect to be shown round . Not even the police are allowed to do that , unless they have a warrant , As I said the only ones allowed in without is the customs and excise they have more powers.
A Programme of Inspections? That seems a bit intrusive... Why not complain to your local councillor? Sounds to me more likely that your neighbours are unhappy with you and your new Termignonis? BTW I had a visit from the Rating Department courtesy of my nice new neighbours. But it backfired when I reported them for not paying enough! Don't get mad - get even...
[FONT=Georgia, Times, Serif]An authorised local authority official may enter premises for various planning purposes, including : Preparing or approving development plans. Dealing with applications for planning permission. Making a valuation in connection with compensation. Making a survey in connection with a compulsory purchase order. Investigating whether development has occurred without planning permission. Carrying out any similar functions in respect of tree preservation. The official must have reasonable grounds for entering for that particular purpose. Either the official must give you 24 hours’ notice or, if you have refused to permit entry (including by failing to answer a proper request to enter) or if the case is urgent, he or she must secure a warrant from a magistrate authorising entry . The official may only enter at a reasonable hour, unless he enters on a warrant granted in a case of urgency.[/FONT] So where was your 24 hours notice.
Your rights - Power of Officials to Enter Your Home Your rights - Planning and Rating http://www.yourrights.org.uk/yourrights/privacy/index.html AL
