A Northaw landowner has been fined £35,000 after Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council successfully prosecuted them for a planning breach.

Mr Gjurra admitted to carrying out unauthorised works at Vineyards Road in Northaw, after appearing at St Albans Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, February 14.

In the summer of 2022, he created new access and a large area of hardstanding on the land, without obtaining the necessary planning permission.

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council had served a planning enforcement notice on Mr Gjurra, which required him to restore the land to its original condition, but he did not comply with the notice.

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As a result, he was fined £30,000 by the court plus a victim surcharge, while WHBC was also awarded full costs of £5,422.20, bringing the total fine to £35,422.20.

"The council takes planning enforcement very seriously," said councillor Jane Quinton, executive member for planning.

"This case should serve as an example that when deliberate breaches of the planning system occur and landowners do not work with the council to resolve them, the council will investigate and prosecute these matters to uphold the integrity of the planning system.

"We hope this sends a clear message to anyone who is considering carrying out unauthorised development in our borough."