Neighbor sentenced to pay £2,000 for ‘unacceptable’ new patio | United Kingdom | News

A homeowner must fork out £2,000 after refusing to remove a raised terrace which had “unacceptable views” into his neighbour’s garden.

Jermain Morrison carried out the works on his property at Oakleigh Drive, Croxley Green in Hertfordshire, without the relevant planning permissions, Three Rivers District Council (TRDC) said.

Planning officers insist they were “left with no choice” but to proceed with an enforcement notice after Morrison was “uncooperative”.

No appeal was received after the notice was given, nor did it appear that the owner was making any attempt to remove the terrace, the council said.

He was later found guilty of failing to comply with an execution notice at St Albans Magistrates’ Court on October 8.

He was fined £750 and awarded costs to the council in the sum of £1,720 and a victim surcharge of £280.

Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst, TRDC leader, said: “Unlike many other planning breaches which are rectified through effective co-operation and negotiation with landowners, officers had no choice but to bring proceedings in this case.

“The owner made his thinking clear from the beginning and maintained his innocence to the end. It is hoped this case will serve as a warning to those who do not wish to engage with planning officers.”

The council says it is now considering its next steps to ensure the raised patio is removed.