Date: 28/01/2009
Seven holiday cottages, built without planning permission, have recently been demolished -- thanks to tough enforcement action taken by High Peak Borough Council.
The cottages, built in 2005, were located in remote countryside at Lowfoot Farm, Green Fairfield, near Buxton. An enforcement notice was served in May 2006, which was upheld at appeal in November 2006.
Following an unsuccessful planning application in 2007, a further appeal was lodged, which was dismissed in September 2008, with the Inspector concluding that the proposal "would cause significant harm to the character and appearance of the countryside".
The site owner eventually demolished the cottages over the Christmas period, after the council made arrangements with an external contractor to carry out the work ourselves.
"The protection of the landscape within the High Peak, which is valued by local people and visitors alike, is paramount and we will do everything in our power to protect it for future generations to enjoy," said Linda Baldry, Executive Councillor for Planning.
"We will not tolerate developers who deliberately flout planning regulations. Anyone doing so can expect a firm response and appropriate action -- we will ensure that the law is properly enforced. This has proved a fruitless and costly exercise for the individual concerned."
Photos: Above, right, the illegally built holiday cottages. Below, the land after demolition of the unlawful cottages.