A Tale Of Two Planning Matters

Nothing is guaranteed to irk the ire of Residents and Councillors alike than the obscure and illogical planning laws and the way they are applied. This is the tale of two planning matters and the seemingly illogical outcome.

Case 1.
An individual has somehow managed to get a full size shipping container into his back garden. Not only is this an eyesore for properties that overlook his garden but it is also a handy wall for his kids to kick a football against until late evening. You can imagine the noise and nuisance that this creates with a ball bouncing against an empty metal container. Neighbours are rightly upset about this and have complained to The Council and Ward Councillors. The Council’s Planning Enforcement Officers have been and had a look and said that there is nothing that can be done as it is a ‘Permitted Development’

Case 2.
An individual has erected a pergola in her garden and is growing climbing plants up it to create a pleasant outlook for herself and incidentally her neighbours. For some reason a nearby Resident has complained to the Council about this and following a visit by The Council’s Planning Enforcement Officers this person has been told to remove the offending pergola or face dire consequences and extreme retribution including the dreaded ‘Enforcement Action’


Despite the best efforts of the Ward Councillors it seems that the situation will remain as it is ie one eyesore and source of nuisance is to remain and one pleasant flower covered pergola has to go.
It seems to me that rather than venting their spleen on all and sundry the new Government would be better employed sorting out the many ilogicalities in the planning system that result in mad decisions like this.

Discuss.