Some of you may remember me having issues with a neighbour building a barn opposite me waaaay off from where planning was granted. This situation has developed somewhat over the last couple of weeks and I need to pick the collective brain.
From the first issue: I put in a planning objection and the barn was moved to it's correct location. The barn has never been used which makes my spidey senses tingle.
A large area at the front of the barn was dug out and road planings were laid to make a large area of hardstanding and a roadway to the gate. There's no planning for this but I have yet to object.
The lady who owns it is moving house. She's the local councillor and objects to any planning that is submitted in the local area. Strangely she sat on the review panel for her own barn! She is selling the house BUT not the field with the barn. It turns out her son wants to develop it. This is a green field site so I suspect the barn is some sort of break to the planning. This is where I need advice. Are there any strategies I can use to stop the field being developed? It's immediately opposite me and I like the open aspect. I don't think finding newts holds water these days; they get moved.
Serious suggestions please!
There is a similar issue in our village (built a barn 100 yards from road in middle of field...now hoping to develop it plus 4 other new houses)
You need to object to the roadway and gate. Permission must be granted to have access. Both a local council and the highways must be involved, and possibly environment if the hardstanding is causing a runoff of rain water.
The lady / Councillor cannot sit on reviews of any planning that she has an interest in, it is not allowed. "Conflict of interest"
She must have made her interest known to the wider public and the Council in their "Registration of Interests". If it isnt on it you can bring this to the attention of the Omsbudman, who then must carry out a full audit to proove there hasnt been any underhand handling of the issue. The Chief Executive of the Council and Hed of Planning will be brought to book if there has.
Pm me and I can send you the full documentation in relation to the objection locally to give you some idea of the length you need to go to. Advice is to continually take pictures of every movement and keep a log.
Every time there is a change, log it, report it and be a "general" nusiance in the face of the council, so they understand you are not going away. Get on first name terms with the planning officer, and copy in the Chief executive in every communication you send.
It can feel it is wearing you down but I,m afraid if you dont it will pass you by and you will be living with it. (Dont let the buggers get to you, best of luck)
