There is a lack of dedicated planning enforcement officers in Powys, it has been revealed.
The issue was revealed at a Powys County Council planning committee meeting when councillors asked why a breach of planning restrictions had not been punished or known about?
The discussion on enforcement came up as part of deciding a planning application to turn an outbuilding into an engineering workshop at New Mills.
An agricultural occupancy condition had been placed on the building which meant that the owners should have a connection to farming such as: working in agriculture, being a retired agricultural worker or the widow/widower of an agricultural worker.
The owners had obtained a certificate of lawfulness in 2018 as they had lived there for more than 10 years without the necessary connection to farming.
But Welshpool councillor, Francesca Jump, asked: “How could the owners not have been complying with these conditions for 10 years?
“Presumably they would have bought it at a cheaper price because of the condition. Should we not make sure that these conditions are fulfilled?
“Would we know that people have bought a property and don’t fulfil this condition?”
Planning officer, Tamsin Law, said: “A certificate of lawfulness means that they are immune from enforcement action for the breach. We don’t monitor every house sold that has a rural enterprise dwelling condition that comes on the the market.
Cllr Jump continued: “Maybe we should?”
Committee solicitor, Colin Edwards, said: “It’s a matter of resources. We don’t have any dedicated enforcement officers anymore.
“When I started with the council years ago we had two enforcement officers just for Montgomeryshire alone. Their job would be going around and making sure people comply with conditions.
“I can’t see the council setting a budget to create four to six posts just to check up. I’m sure it’s a valid thing to do, it’s simply a matter of resources.”
In recent months the planning department has been criticised on several issues of failing to enforce planning law.