CIVIC chiefs have issued an enforcement notice for breach of planning permission on a Heritage Coast site.

West Dorset District Council and Weymouth & Portland Borough Council have issued an enforcement notice on all land owners of a site at Pirates Lane near Wyke Regis.

The enforcement notice is against the alleged breach of planning control that ‘without planning permission the use of the land has changed from agriculture to a mixed use for leisure and recreational uses, as a caravan site, for residential purposes, the storage of non-agricultural motor vehicles and trailers, equipment and materials, and the erection of buildings.’

Cllr Ian Gardner, West Dorset District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Planning, said: “The council will ensure the land is used for its intended purpose and fulfil its duty to protect the Heritage Coast.”

“Many concerns have been raised about the current unauthorised uses and appearance particularly over the site’s subdivision into numerous plots resulting with the siting of caravans and alien structures.”

Cllr Ray Nowak, Weymouth & Portland Borough Council’s Briefholder for Environment and Sustainability, said: “Every step has been taken in order to work with land owners to avoid enforcement action. This included inviting them to a drop-in session and writing to them with a wealth of information on their options.

“Having reviewed our options, the next step was to issue enforcement notices in order to return this land to its intended use.”