Illegal house on BBC
As recently reported in the Dorking Advertiser, a man on Ranmore, near Dorking has totally tried to outwit the local planning authority by trying to build a large house on green belt land and whilst disguising it as an old barn whilst trying to live in it for long enough for planning permission to be unneccesary. Obviously the Council had no option but to refuse permission and to order him to demolish it within eight weeks.
This story was broadcast on the BBC news tonight and the report stated that this is an area of outstanding natural beauty in an area subject to the tightest planning regulations.
Seeing this area on national TV makes you realise again that the countryside around Dorking is beautiful and needs to be protected. But it also makes you wonder that considering its transport links, surroundings and location I wonder why Dorking seems to be on this downward slide at the moment. The current economic problems of this town are internal and there is no excuse on why they should be happening when neighbouring towns are prospering.
I will post more opinions on this subject soon.
posted by The Cockerel @ 12:25 AM
3 Comments:
The illegal bungalow on Ranmore Common story also appeared in Thursday's Daily Mail and Evening Standard. There is an amazing picture in the Evening Standard how his bungalow escaped the attention of the planning inspectors at Mole Valley. The bungalow which was built under a barn was covered in bales of straw when the inspector came around after complaints from the neighbours and members of the public. All the inspector could see was numerous bales of straw in the barn and no sign of an illegal residence.
Finally, Mole Valley got wind of it and asked the resident to move out and for the bungalow to be demolished as it had no planning permission, was on green belt land and was in an area of outstanding beauty. He appealed time and time again to the Council. Finally, his appeal was thrown out and now the illegal bungalow has to be demolished within six weeks. Watch this space!! My bet is that this idiot will probably appeal to the European Court of Human Rights.
Mole Valley were right to fight this individual on his illegal development. If they did not, it would have set a really dangerous precedent. However, this is not much different to the gyspies / travellers who have taken over land at River Lane, Leatherhead some years ago. They are still living there in their caravans on pasture land which is adjacent to the crematorium after numerous appeals, public hearings etc.
had to laigh saw the D.C. this morning with a road cone on top of it!! it really is a trophy target for pranksters.
erm, sorry meant 'laugh' !!
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