Enforcement notice issued for Semington mobile home park
Wiltshire Council's taking action following over-population on site
An enforcement notice has been issued for a mobile home park in Semington, after complaints about an unauthorised rise in people living there.
The owner of the Greenacres site has been issued with a legal notice by Wiltshire Council, to reduce the number of occupants over the next 18 months.
The park has planning permission for 14 pitches, or 28 mobile homes for travellers.
But it's been found up to 77 homes are being stored on the site, with allegedly being rented on the open market to people who aren't classed as travellers.
The notice will take effect on 2nd April, with non-travellers required to leave the site by that date.
The number of pitches will have to be reduced to 25 within 12 months; and again reduced to 14 pitches within 18 months.
Cllr Nick Botterill, Cabinet Member for Development Management and Strategic Planning, said: “Serving an Enforcement Notice is a last resort, and our officers have been trying to work with the owner of Greenacres Mobile Park to ensure they comply with their planning permission.
“Unfortunately, we have been unable to obtain compliance and so have had no choice but to serve this notice to ensure that the owner meets their legal obligations.
“We are committed to tackling planning permission breaches such as this in Wiltshire and we will use all available legal powers to enforce planning regulations.
“However, we are also mindful that a number of occupiers on the site are caught up in this matter and who may not have anywhere else to go. To help these people, we have staggered the period required for people to leave the site, giving them plenty of time to make alternative arrangements. We have also provided contact details for our Housing team so we can provide advice and assistance to those impacted by the notice.
“We will continue to work closely with all people involved in this matter to ensure compliance."