A homeowner must shell out £2,000 after refusing to dismantle a raised terrace which was “unacceptably overlooking” his neighbour’s garden.
Jermain Morrison undertook the works at his property in Oakleigh Drive, Croxley Green in Hertfordshire, without the relevant planning permissions, Three Rivers District Council (TRDC) said.
Planning officers insist they were left with “no choice” but to proceed with an enforcement notice after Mr Morrison “failed to cooperate.”
An appeal was not received after the notice was made, nor did the homeowner appear to be making any attempt to remove the terrace, the council said.
He was then found guilty of failing to comply with an enforcement notice at St Albans Magistrates’ Court on October 8.
He was fined £750 with costs awarded to the council in the sum of £1,720 and a victim surcharge of £280.
Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst, TRDC’s leader, said: “Unlike many other planning breaches which are rectified through effective co-operation and negotiation with homeowners, officers had no choice but to prosecute in this instance.
“The owner made his thoughts clear early on and maintained his innocence until the end. It is hoped that this case acts as a warning to those that do not wish to engage with planning officers.”
The council says it is now considering its next steps to ensure that the raised patio is removed.