17/04/2025: Breckland Council secures prosecution over unlawful occupation of site in Billingford

Breckland Council has successfully prosecuted a Billingford man for occupying land without the necessary planning permission, reinforcing its commitment to upholding planning laws and protecting communities from unauthorised development.

At Norwich Magistrates' Court on 9 April, the Billingford man pleaded guilty to breaching a Stop Notice issued by the Council in relation to the unlawful siting and occupation of a caravan on land at Festival Road, Billingford.

The court heard that a Stop Notice had been served after he had taken occupation of the land, which had been sold by Breckland Council some time ago. Although at the time of the hearing the land was subject to an appeal against a separate Enforcement Notice requiring the removal of the caravans, the court accepted the guilty plea in relation to breaching the Stop Notice.

The magistrates ordered the Billingford Man to pay £1,000 in legal costs, a £120 fine, and a £48 victim surcharge. He was given 28 days to make the payments or risk further enforcement action, including the possibility of prison if the amounts are not paid.

Councillor Sarah Suggitt, Deputy Leader of Breckland Council and Executive Member for Housing and Planning, said: "We are pleased that the court has recognised the seriousness of this breach. Planning laws exist to ensure development takes place in a fair, lawful and sustainable way, and we will not hesitate to take action where people disregard these rules. This prosecution sends a clear message that unauthorised development will not be tolerated in Breckland."

The appeal has since been considered and the Enforcement Notice upheld.