Untidy sites
We may serve a notice on the owner and occupier of the land, requiring that it be tidied up within a set period, if its condition adversely affects the amenity of the area. The notice becomes effective after 28 days.
There is a right of appeal to the Magistrates Court and then to the Crown Court, during which time the notice has no effect pending the outcome of the appeal. Once the notice takes effect it is an offence not to carry out the steps required.
If the notice is not complied with, we may either :
- prosecute the owner for the offence of non-compliance
- enter the land to carry out the required works and recover our costs from the owner
We also have powers under environmental health legislation to deal with untidy sites. We will enforce whichever legislation is most appropriate to bring about an effective remedy.