Post by rosegriffin on Nov 14, 2014 17:01:43 GMT
Following several complaints from residents about former kennels being converted for residential purposes we followed up with Basildon Council and ward councillors. Please note we do not normally get involved in non-environmental issues but in this case residents were concerned that more land was being cleared for residential purposes.
A response from the council read:
"This has been investigated by colleagues in the enforcement section and found that there are approximately 4-5 converted buildings being put to residential use.
It is possible that the length of time they have been used for such, may mean that they are immune from enforcement action, (in continued occupation for more than 4 years) and further evidence is being collected in this regard. Potentially we may receive applications for Lawful Development Certificates. This type of application does not assess the merits of the development, just whether the use has carried on for the period stated. Consultation is not normally carried out in applications of type, except where it may be to corroborate the evidence submitted. The onus is on the applicant/owner of the site to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the use has continued for the period claimed."
A response from the council read:
"This has been investigated by colleagues in the enforcement section and found that there are approximately 4-5 converted buildings being put to residential use.
It is possible that the length of time they have been used for such, may mean that they are immune from enforcement action, (in continued occupation for more than 4 years) and further evidence is being collected in this regard. Potentially we may receive applications for Lawful Development Certificates. This type of application does not assess the merits of the development, just whether the use has carried on for the period stated. Consultation is not normally carried out in applications of type, except where it may be to corroborate the evidence submitted. The onus is on the applicant/owner of the site to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the use has continued for the period claimed."