Wow, we've smashed the 4000 signature milestone and are edging towards 5000! I've been advised that if and when the time comes to object to any planning applications, proof of the land's value to the community and its environmental importance (trees!) will be invaluable - the strength of support shown in the petition is all fantastic evidence of this and will play a key role down the line! Your signatures and comments are all worth it!!! So if you know of a friend or neighbour who hasn't signed yet, please do encourage them to do so and add their two-penneth to our fine collection of comments! 

The Council have issued a briefing note and the good news is that they're due to issue an enforcement notice to the landowners - re the unauthorised fence - any time now. The frustrating news is that if the owners appeal, the whole process could take in excess of 9 months, in which case we'll be stuck with the big ugly green fence for quite some time! So it's "Watch This Space" for now - but the Council are acting and the ward councillors have been very supportive, so that's all very encouraging. Well done everyone!

Here's the briefing note if you haven't seen it already:

PLANNING ENFORCEMENT - BRIEFING NOTE - 1/2/2019

Site: Land at JCT of Duncombe Hill and Brockley Rise

Alleged Breach: The erection of a timber hoarding around the perimeter of the land (in excess of 1m in height, adjacent a vehicular highway)

Background: 
From 25-27 January 2019, a timber hoarding was erected at the land without planning permission. On 28 January 2019 a Planning Enforcement Investigation commenced and an officer visited the site to inspect the development. It was found that the development comprises ‘operational development’ only, and no material change of use of the land has been identified (i.e. the breach of control comprises the fence structure only). Given the adverse effect of the development on the street scene, and the likely adverse effect of the development on the protected trees at the site, enforcement action has been recommended by the case officer. The most appropriate form of enforcement action available under the Planning Acts for this type of development, is the issuing of an Enforcement Notice requiring the removal of the development and the restoration of the site to its previous form and appearance before the development was carried out. A report has been prepared, and its recommendation accepted. The Council’s legal team have now been instructed to prepare an Enforcement Notice.

Next Steps:
It is expected that an Enforcement Notice will be issued next week, requiring the removal of the development and the restoration of the site to its previous condition. The Enforcement Notice will not take effect for a 1 month period, which is the statutory period of time granted to the site owner to submit an appeal against the enforcement notice to the Planning Inspectorate. Should an appeal be submitted, the Planning Enforcement Notice will not have any legal effect until the enforcement appeal has been determined. Enforcement appeals currently take a minimum of 9 months to be determined. A further update will be provided once the enforcement notice has been issued.