Huge number of 'unauthorised' developments investigated in Sheffield revealed
Officials have revealed the huge number of investigations currently under way over into developers who have broken building rules.
The figures come after the issue was recently highlighted by the pressure group Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), who are concerned over the number of pubs which have been redeveloped without planning permission.
It also follows controversial changes to the former Queen’s Head in High Green, where there have been complaints over alterations made to the building which were not included in a planning application.
Now The Star can reveal that there are now over 1,000 live enforcement investigations currently ongoing by Sheffield Council.
And there are also over 100 cases, where planning enforcement notices have been issued, but the orders have yet to be complied with.
The Council told The Star: “City wide, there are 1,173 live enforcement investigations. City-wide, the number of Enforcement Notices not yet complied with is 119 (not including cases currently at appeal).”
Those who build or change buildings without planning permission can face fines, and be ordered to change things back again.
The council added: “When a notice isn’t complied with, and it is in the public interest to do so, cases are reported to the courts for prosecution. The courts may issue a fine where a developer is found guilty of non-compliance with an Enforcement Notice.”
After recent incident at the Queen’s Head, the council said there had been a breach of planning control and an enforcement notice was being drafted and would be served in relation to ‘unauthorised alterations’ to the front of the building.
Councillor Ben Miskell, chairman of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee at Sheffield Council, said of that situation: “Pubs and working men’s clubs are a vital part of our shared heritage and community life, and every effort needs to be made to keep them open for the benefit of the community they serve.
“In the incredibly unfortunate event of one closing, it is vitally important that the new owners follow the correct process when planning permission is required, breaking planning rules will lead to the Council taking a robust approach and use all the powers available to us.
“We also work closely with residents across the city to protect valued community buildings from village shops and community centres to local pubs - including by registering them as Assets of Community Value. Developers must respect Sheffield’s heritage, including the importance of our public houses.”