Latest news with #TownandCountryPlanningAct1990
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
Households warned to take this one item out of garden or risk huge fine
Be careful which items you leave out in your garden - experts warn that a common item left outdoors for too long can actually result in serious fines and legal action UK households are being urged to check their gardens - experts say there's one otherwise harmless item that could land you a hefty fine. With the weather warming up and the sun on full blast, more of us are spending time in our outdoor areas. But while you may think you can do as you please in your own garden, there are some laws you need to be aware of. Garden experts at Decking Superstore caution that many homeowners are unknowingly breaking environmental rules. It turns out leaving piles of soil, rubble or general garden debris lying around in their outdoor spaces can lead to legal consequences. It comes after Brits are told to never put one banned item in garden bins as you could face punishment. READ MORE: Weird £1 supermarket item clears slippery decking in minutes and gardeners swear by it A spokesperson for Decking Superstore said: 'People think it's fine to leave a mound of soil or a few broken bricks in the corner of the garden, but councils may view that as controlled waste. It might not feel like fly-tipping — but under the law, that's exactly how it can be treated.' This is because, according to the Environmental Protection Act 1990, soil, rubble, and most garden waste are considered 'controlled waste' – which means they must be disposed of in a legal and responsible manner. This applies even if the material is on your own property. Therefore, leaving it to sit for indefinite periods can lead to enforcement action, particularly if it causes a mess, attracts pests, or spills onto a neighbour's land or public path. If waste is judged to be fly-tipped or illegally stored, households could be fined up to £400. Meanwhile, more serious cases can lead to prosecution and maximum fines of £5,000 or even see you end up in prison. You should also be wary that the material does not create a health or environmental hazard, such as attracting rats or blocking access. Otherwise councils are able to issue a statutory nuisance notice under Section 79 of the same Act. If the notice is ignored, further legal action can be taken. You may even be ordered to tidy it up if you're not careful. Landlord advice experts at First 4 Landlord Advice warn that the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 gives councils the power to demand clean up if a garden or outdoor area is deemed to be affecting the appearance of the neighbourhood. In some cases, this can even lead to Section 215 enforcement, where homeowners are legally ordered to tidy their land or face court proceedings. The Decking Superstore spokesperson advised: 'It doesn't have to look like a rubbish dump for enforcement to happen. If something is clearly not being used, is unsightly, or is attracting complaints, you could get a visit from your local authority. So, which items can put you at risk of being fined? Decking Superstore has put together a list of common garden items that could get you in trouble if left out too long. Common garden items that could get you into trouble Piles of soil or rubble Broken slabs, bricks, or concrete Old garden furniture Rusty tools or equipment Rotting wood or decking Plastic grow bags, plant pots or trays Overgrown or unmanaged waste piles Disused barbecues, appliances, or building materials
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
UK households with gardens face £5,000 fines for 'not keeping it tidy'
People who own a garden are being reminded to take certain items out of garden or potentially risk a fine Households are being urged to ensure certain items aren't left in their gardens for too long, or they could risk being fined. As warm weather heats up in the UK, many homeowners will be heading out into their gardens to spruce them up as part of a DIY project and take advantage of the balmy conditions. However, garden specialists at Decking Superstore warn that homeowners could get into trouble if their gardens aren't kept 'tidy enough' and certain everyday items are left lying around. So, homeowners are being urged to check their gardens for one item in particular that may seem harmless but could put them on the wrong side of the law. The garden specialists say they've seen many homeowners unknowingly breaking environmental rules by leaving piles of soil, rubble, or general garden debris unattended in their outdoor spaces. "People think it's fine to leave a mound of soil or a few broken bricks in the corner of the garden," a spokesperson said. "But, councils may view that as controlled waste. It might not feel like fly-tipping — but under the law, that's exactly how it can be treated." What does the law say? Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, soil, rubble, and most garden waste are considered 'controlled waste'. This means they must be disposed of in a legal and responsible manner. Even if the material is on your own property, leaving it to sit indefinitely can lead to enforcement action, especially if it causes a mess, attracts pests, or spills onto a neighbour's land or public path. If waste is judged to be fly-tipped or illegally stored, households could be fined up to £400. More serious cases lead to prosecution and maximum fines of £5,000 or even imprisonment. If the material creates a health or environmental hazard — for example, by attracting rats or blocking access — councils can also issue a statutory nuisance notice under Section 79 of the same Act. If the notice is ignored, further legal action can be taken. The issue doesn't stop there. The landlord advice team at First 4 Landlord Advice also note that the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 gives councils the power to demand cleanup if a garden or outdoor area is deemed to be affecting the appearance of the neighbourhood. In some cases, this can even lead to Section 215 enforcement, where homeowners are legally ordered to tidy their land or face court proceedings. "It doesn't have to look like a rubbish dump for enforcement to happen," the spokesperson said. "If something is clearly not being used, is unsightly, or is attracting complaints, you could get a visit from your local authority." What shouldn't The team of garden specialists has compiled a list of common garden items that could get you in trouble if left out too long: Piles of soil or rubble – Often considered controlled waste if left unattended. Broken slabs, bricks, or concrete – Treated as construction waste under the law. Old garden furniture – Especially if it's damaged, decaying, or visibly abandoned. Rusty tools or equipment – May be seen as environmental hazards if left outside. Rotting wood or decking – Could attract pests or present safety risks. Plastic grow bags, plant pots or trays – Especially if not in use and littered around. Overgrown or unmanaged waste piles – Like heaps of leaves, clippings or twigs. Disused barbecues, appliances, or building materials – If not part of a current project. What is generally fine (if managed properly)? There's no law against using your garden for personal projects, so the following are typically allowed, as long as they are tidy and do not cause harm: Working compost bins (with lids). Neatly stored DIY or gardening materials. Potted plants, growing containers, and patio furniture in use. Neatly stacked firewood (not excessive or rotting). Gardening tools stored in a shed or lean-to. A simple way to stay safe: The advice from the specialists is pretty clear: don't leave piles of soil, bricks, broken slabs, or waste material lying around your garden — even if you think you'll use it later. If it's not part of an active project and it looks abandoned, deal with it promptly. They say you could always legally dispose of materials by using a licensed waste carrier or your local tip. They also recommend doing a quick monthly check of your garden to ensure no clutter is building up. "A clean garden isn't just about appearances — it's a legal responsibility. What seems like a small pile of dirt today could be a fine tomorrow," the spokesperson said. "I always put on music while I work. It turns cleaning into dancing — and it never feels like a chore."
South Wales Argus
03-08-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Certificate applied for to convert garage to be a home
The planning application for the conversion of the domestic vehicle garage at Hawthorn House, Whitebrook Lane, Llanvaches, Newport, was submitted by Mr Ron Saltmarsh under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. The proposal also includes the erection of a small extension to form a bathroom. The property, which falls under the C3 use class as a dwelling house, will maintain this status following the conversion, according to the applicant Mr Saltmarsh. The applicant has claimed that the development qualifies as "Permitted Development". The application was submitted with the assistance of agent Mr Chris Jackson from CJ Projects. The site, visible from public land, did not require pre-application advice, and the applicant, Mr Saltmarsh, declared ownership of the land in the application, which was signed by his agent, Mr Jackson, on June 10. The decision date for the application was not stated in the document. The grid reference for the property is Easting 341993, Northing 192786. The application did not indicate any objections or issues from the local community or planning authorities. The application could be granted a Lawful Development Certificate, signifying compliance with current planning policies and regulations.
South Wales Argus
20-07-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Newport garage could be converted into living space
Mr Ron Saltmarsh has applied for a lawful development certificate for the proposed changes at his home in Llanvaches. The plans, which have been lodged under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, outline a transformation of his garage into "ancillary living accommodation," which means it will be used as an additional part of the main home. The proposal also includes building a small extension to create a bathroom. The site is currently classified under use class C3, which covers dwelling houses or main residences, and it will remain under the same classification following the conversion. Mr Saltmarsh, who owns the property, has argued that the current use of the garage has been established as C3 for many years, therefore making the proposed changes a permitted development. The changes will be visible from a public road or land. CJ Projects, based in Chepstow, are acting as agents for Mr Saltmarsh. The application was signed by Mr Chris Jackson, from CJ Projects, on June 10. The decision date for the proposal has not been disclosed, as the document only contains the application form.
South Wales Argus
03-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Newport office conversion plan rejected by council
M Le Masurier submitted a full application via AMT Designed Ltd to transform the ground floor of 8–10 Griffin Street into five flats. However, Newport City Council turned down the proposal on May 29. The major issues were flood risks, unsustainable development, overdevelopment, noise and ventilation, lack of biodiversity enhancement, insufficient cycle storage, and negative impact on the conservation area. The site is located in Flood Zone 3, with no plans provided to manage potential flooding. The application also did not include a contribution towards affordable housing, which goes against local standards. Overdevelopment issues were raised, noting poor space standards, lack of outlook, insufficient bin storage, and privacy concerns due to the layout of one of the flats. The application did not include a noise impact assessment or details about natural ventilation. The inadequate provision for biodiversity and green infrastructure, such as the absence of an ecological enhancement plan, was another reason for refusal. The application failed to provide details on secure and accessible cycle storage, which did not align with the council's sustainable travel policy. The conversion plans also lacked sufficient detail regarding window design and waste management, impacting the City Centre Conservation Area. The council assessed several drawings related to the project, including plans of the existing and proposed elevations and floor plans. The proposed development was considered minor and did not require an environmental impact assessment. In addition to the reasons for refusal, the council provided guidance on water and sewer connections, sustainable water use, and rights of appeal under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. The applicant has the right to appeal the decision if they wish to contest the refusal.
