Developer and director fined over housing breaches

A developer and director have been fined over planning breaches on a Devon housing estate.

Blakesley Estates (Kingsbridge) Ltd, now known as Garden Mill Ltd, and its director, John Freeland, admitted breaching a temporary stop notice and an enforcement notice issued by South Hams District Council at Lock's Hill, Kingsbridge, Gloucester Crown Court heard.

Garden Mill has been fined a total of £100,000 fine and ordered to pay £40,000 costs, and Mr Freeland fined a total of £76,000 and ordered to pay £80,000 costs.

Councillor Dan Thomas, council executive member for planning, said after the case: "I am really pleased that this company and its director have been brought to justice."

Mr Thomas said: "We tried to work with them, but they refused to comply.

"The local community has quite rightly been up in arms about what has happened at the site

"We have listened to them and relentlessly taken this through the courts over the past few years.

"We hope this sends a message loud and clear that we will not tolerate anyone who disregards planning enforcement notices and that we will take action."

Blakesley Estates bought the 3.5 acres (1.4 hectares) of land in March 2021 with planning permission for 32 homes, including four classified as affordable.

Building began, but the council issued a stop notice, preventing work continuing, over the lack of tree protection fencing around the site.

The firm appealed, but a planning inspector agreed with the council in April 2023, external and confirmed planning permission had lapsed.

The land has been left with a number of houses partially built and the remaining land an unfinished building site.

Mr Thomas said: "This issue has gone on for years and we have worked tirelessly to bring it to a conclusion.

"We are facing a housing crisis, and we are really keen for this eyesore to be fixed.

"We want the local community in Kingsbridge to get the housing development they deserve which respects the local area."

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