Deferred Sentencing for landowner spoiling Broads landscape
In April a Crown Court Judge delayed sentencing Mr Rogers the owner of Wayford Mill, near Smallburgh, to give him four months to remove 3000 tonnes of soil dumped on the site without permission. The work has not been carried out in the required timescale and at today’s hearing Mr Rogers was given a further two months to complete the restoration of the site.
Whilst some the work has been done, the Broads Authority is disappointed that the land has not been restored. The Authority is still committed to working with Mr Rogers to restore the damaged site at Wayford Mill.
The Broads Authority has tried for two years to persuade Mr Rogers to remove the soil, which has raised the land level by up to 90cms, spoiling the view of fields and a historic windmill, and an important European wildlife site with good water quality. In April he pleaded guilty to non compliance with the Planning Enforcement Notice.
Julian Swainson, Chairman of the Broads Authority’s Planning Committee said:
“The Broads Authority Planning Committee works hard to protect the beautiful and fragile Broads landscape and we try to work in partnership with landowners and developers. This is a warning that the Authority will not hesitate to seek legal redress where planning agreements have been broken or ignored.”
Before the soil was dumped, the area, which forms an intricate mix of wetland habitats on peat soils, represented a significant wildlife source, allowing movement of species from one area to another. Since then the land has changed significantly. The imported soil is of a different texture and composition, resulting in a different range of plant species growing on the new soil which are alien to the natural surroundings.
Gillian Morgan, Director of Planning and Development, said:
“Unauthorised tipping or land raising destroys the Broads interest, by converting wetland to dry land. It is the responsibility of the Broads Authority to protect and conserve this unique and internationally important wetland, which is why the Authority will, where necessary, take action against those who seek to destroy this area of natural beauty. The Authority recognises that some development on the waterside is necessary in the interest of encouraging a thriving economy. Anyone thinking of making changes is encouraged to speak to the Planning Authority at the earliest stage to ensure expensive mistakes are not made.”
03/09/2004
