THE unsightly ranks of sheds, statues and garden structures in the grounds of Grade II listed Bourne Mill have finally reached the top of Waverley Council's priorities for enforcement - 12 years after the council officially declared them "an eyesore". The case is an example of how the council's new planning enforcement team, formed a year ago, is gradually bringing to a head a number of cases where planning regulations have been flouted for years on end. But progress is being hampered both by the need for lengthy court attendances and the fact that the team is being swamped by an average of 14 new alleged breaches per week. In the last quarter alone, 164 alleged contraventions were reported to the team. Of these cases, just over half have been investigated and closed, either because no breach was identified, or the breach ceased after a visit from the enforcement officer. The caseload is far above average in comparison to neighbouring authorities and if it continues to rise, more than 700 new alleged breaches of planning control could be received and investigated by the end of the year. Nevertheless, the council's development management committee was told, an immense backlog of more than 1,000 cases is now down to 400 and there is optimism that this would be completely cleared by the end of October. "I think this is a good news story because we have been complaining for more years than I like to think about enforcement action not being taken," said Elstead councillor Nancie Mitchell. An officers' report to the committee stated that "in most cases the offenders are now co- operating with the enforcement team in addressing their individual breaches, thus making the offender responsible for their actions and avoiding lengthy and costly court procedures". But a long list was given of cases being actively worked on at present with a view to court action. Among them was Bourne Mill, the listed building which has been appearing on council enforcement reports since 1993. As long ago as 1995, the council won an appeal inspector's ruling that unauthorised sheds, greenhouses and conservatories must be demolished within three months. But owner Glynn Evans dug his heels in and while some buildings were removed, others went up and in 1997 Mr Evans was fined £1,000 in Farnham Magistrates' Court for failing to comply with the terms of the enforcement order. As more buildings and mushroomed around the mill pond to the rear of the building, council enforcement was again confirmed on appeal - but to no avail as far as securing their removal was concerned. Eventually letters were sent to the owner and occupier indicating that if compliance with the notices was not achieved by March 13, 2003, then prosecution proceedings would commence. But that year, the council agreed to give priority to a case relating to Tanyard Farm, Shamley Green, where a paddock had been incorporated into a residential property and huge statues had been erected. That case has now been cleared up - with costs awarded to the council - leaving Bourne Mill as the new top priority. According to the report to the committee, "discussions are taking place with 'legal'" on how to bring the Bourne Mill site under control. Other sites where prosecution is being discussed include Old Park Stables, Old Park Lane, where notices were served in 2002 requiring the demolition of unauthorised dwelling units. Planning applications to continue use as an equestrian training centre and riding holiday accommodation were later refused. Another long-running saga on the hit list of 35 sites is Century Farm, Green Lane, Badshot Lea, where the council has been battling unauthorised business and storage uses since 1996. At Kemplen Forestry, on Wrecclesham Hill, action over unauthorised advertisements now dates back almost 14 years while at Badshot Farm, an enforcement notice is anticipated shortly against the long-established Antiques Warehouse.
