We received planning approval around 2 years ago for a new building. The planning went straight through without any objections. However, we have been busy with other things and the weathers been dreadful, so only started ground works earlier this week.
All week people have been parking up taking photos. To be honest we thought nothing of it and just carried on. People are always taking photos, as we are sheep farmers and cute little lambs running about in the fields, always attract photos at this time of year.
Anyway earlier today a car pulled up, a chap with a Hi Viz jacket turned up with a camera and a clipboard.
There was no hi or hello, just a I am from the council, who is in charge of this site?
So I came off the dumper and said hello.
He said you need to stop work, apparently what we were doing was illegal and that if we didn't stop a notice or something would be issued as he has had over 20 complaints.
So I pointed out we were only doing what we had planning permission for.
He said no you haven't. Apparently he had checked!
After 20 minutes of nearly losing my temper with him, I said wait a minute, got my phone out and showed him a screenshot of the approval decision notice which was displayed on the councils website!
His face dropped like a lead balloon.
I must admit I got such a lovely feeling in my stomach, when his face sank. Just thought for gods sake leave us alone to get on.
I know for sure if we had just started work without approval thinking sod it or tried retrospective planning there was not a chance in hell that it would have been approved, so it was £90 or so well spent on a planning application.
So a bit of a warning to others, sometimes its cheaper, less stressful and easier to do things right from the beginning.
All week people have been parking up taking photos. To be honest we thought nothing of it and just carried on. People are always taking photos, as we are sheep farmers and cute little lambs running about in the fields, always attract photos at this time of year.
Anyway earlier today a car pulled up, a chap with a Hi Viz jacket turned up with a camera and a clipboard.
There was no hi or hello, just a I am from the council, who is in charge of this site?
So I came off the dumper and said hello.
He said you need to stop work, apparently what we were doing was illegal and that if we didn't stop a notice or something would be issued as he has had over 20 complaints.
So I pointed out we were only doing what we had planning permission for.
He said no you haven't. Apparently he had checked!
After 20 minutes of nearly losing my temper with him, I said wait a minute, got my phone out and showed him a screenshot of the approval decision notice which was displayed on the councils website!
His face dropped like a lead balloon.
I must admit I got such a lovely feeling in my stomach, when his face sank. Just thought for gods sake leave us alone to get on.
I know for sure if we had just started work without approval thinking sod it or tried retrospective planning there was not a chance in hell that it would have been approved, so it was £90 or so well spent on a planning application.
So a bit of a warning to others, sometimes its cheaper, less stressful and easier to do things right from the beginning.
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