PEOPLE and businesses in Tenbury and the Teme Valley are being warned that planning rules will be enforced.

Tony Penn who is one of two Tenbury members of Malvern Hills District Council has said that the authority has demonstrated that it takes enforcement seriously.

“Two recent prosecutions have been successful,” said Tony Penn.

“A farmer and his wife of Micklefield Farm in Welland Stone breached the Hedgerows Regulations1997 when they removed 153 metres of hedgerow in 2016 without first gaining permission.

“They were fined £300 each, a victim surcharge of £30 each together with £500 each in costs, a total of £1,660. On the same day, Richard Colwill of Dingle Farm in Little Witley, pleaded guilty to breaching a Protection notice issued by Malvern Hills District Council.

“This related to a significant pile of rubble which looked unsightly and was dangerous due to its location near a lay-by and right of way. He was fined £267, ordered to pay £700 in costs together with a victim surcharge of £30.”

Tony Penn said that, in another incident, action has been taken against work in a river flood plain that had not been approved.

“A planning inspector has upheld an enforcement notice concerning the construction of a roadway and hardstanding on land situated in the flood plain of the River Teme at Powick,” added Tony Penn.

“With the backing of the Environment Agency, the county’s Wildlife Trust and Land Drainage a notice was issued due to the impact on the flood zone, the character of the area and the nearby Site of Special Scientific Interest.

“The landowner disputed the need for planning."