Watford Borough Council has successfully prosecuted a landowner for failing to comply with planning enforcement action on protected Green Belt land...
In July 2024, the council’s Planning Enforcement team was alerted to unauthorised works on land at Bushey Mill Bridge, north of the River Colne. The site had recently undergone significant changes, including the installation of new gates and the levelling of land without planning permission.
The works involved the creation of hardstanding through the importation and spreading of materials such as hardcore, scalpings, and construction and demolition waste, all of which constituted a breach of planning regulations in the Green Belt.
Planning Enforcement officers carried out a swift site visit, gathering photographic evidence and contacting the landowner, Mr Lewis Leonard McEwan of Enfield, director of Property Investments Limited.
An Enforcement Notice was served on 1 August 2024, giving Mr McEwan one month to remove the unauthorised materials and restore the land. However, follow-up inspections confirmed that no steps had been taken to remedy the breach, despite repeated requests from the council.
Failure to comply with the Enforcement Notice constitutes a criminal offence. Mr McEwan was invited to attend an interview under caution but did not attend. The case was subsequently referred to the Council’s legal team, and court proceedings were initiated.
Mr McEwan appeared before St Albans Magistrates’ Court on 25 March 2026, where he had previously entered a guilty plea. He was sentenced to fine of £3,000, victim surcharge of £1,200 and prosecution costs of £1,739. This brought the total financial penalty to £5,936.
The court ordered that the amount be paid in monthly instalments of £500, with the first payment due on 1 April 2026. A collection order has been made, and failure to comply with the payment schedule could result in further enforcement action, including the possibility of imprisonment.
Mr McEwan has indicated that he intends to clear the land in the near future.
Ben Martin, Director of Regeneration & Growth at Watford Borough Council, said: “Protecting our Green Belt is a top priority for the council. These spaces are vital for our environment and our community, and we will not hesitate to take enforcement action where planning rules are ignored. This case sends a clear message that unauthorised development will not be tolerated, and we will always act to uphold the integrity of our planning system.”
