A property developer has been fined £150,000 for carrying out unauthorised work on a piece of Barrow land.
Despite being served with a temporary stop notice for work on a site south of Leece Lane in September 2021, Mullberry Homes continued – which led to the firm being prosecuted by Barrow Borough Council.
It did not have planning permission for the site and began to create driveways, rip out mature hedges and clear the ground, among other work. It resulted in complaints from neighbours.
The Blackburn-based firm admitted the breach in court and was ordered to pay the £150,000 fine, with costs of £8470.80 plus an £190 court surcharge.
An enforcement notice was also served, requiring the green infrastructure be reinstated, which Mullberry Homes unsuccessfully appealed against last month.
Pre-application advice was given to Mullberry Homes in July 2021, the authority said, but despite this, work was still undertaken.
The judge determined that there was a high level of culpability because Mullberry Homes was experienced with the planning system and was aware of the implications of its actions.
Lee Roberts, deputy leader of the council, said: “We are pleased with the outcome and the assessment from the judge.
“Breaches of planning control such as this have a direct effect on the lives of our residents and Mullberry Homes had no respect for the planning system, the lives of our residents or the environment.
“We hope that this judgment acts as a deterrent for this company and others who may consider acting in a similar manner in the future. Following 12 months of hard work and determination from our officers and legal team in bringing this case to court, this judgement sends out a strong message.”
Mullberry Homes Limited is a national house builder which has previously developed several sites in Barrow, including the former Thorncliffe School and Parkview School sites.
