Published on:
05
September 2011
Clackmannanshire Council is taking action on planning breaches at Gubber Hill.
Council staff had already met with the owner and issued a Temporary Stop Notice after work on the site, which lies between Alloa and Tullibody, in April. The Council offered the opportunity to seek retrospective planning permission, but this was not taken up. The owner had assured the Council that he would alert officers to any further proposed work.
As further developments have taken place without notice which appear to significantly breach planning regulations - including the positioning of caravans and showground equipment - Council officers have now instigated formal enforcement action.
Trees felled on the site were not covered by a Tree Preservation Order and therefore not protected under planning legislation enforced by the Council. However, the owner failed to apply for or obtain a Felling Licence from the Forestry Commission. The Forestry Commission are continuing to investigate the matter.
To maintain public and pupil safety, the Council has issued a Traffic Order to prevent vehicles using the section of footpath to the Lornshill Academy entrance from Ormiston Drive in the morning, lunchtime and afternoon when pupils are arriving at and leaving the school.
Councillor Eddie Carrick, portfolio holder for sustainability, said: "The Council has given the owner of this land a reasonable time to submit a retrospective planning application and has explained the consequences of not doing so. Planning rules are in place to ensure the safety of our residents and to protect our countryside, and Clackmannanshire Council will enforce them rigorously where necessary."
Media are invited to send a photographer to Gubber Hill at 2.30pm on Thursday 8 September, where Councillor Carrick will be available for a photo opportunity.