enforcement

Councillors have approved a new draft planning enforcement strategy and service charter outlining how breaches of planning permission are handled.

Swale Borough Council sought approval of the new draft strategy and charter at last month’s cabinet meeting on Wednesday 22nd September. The strategy sets out how the council protects the borough’s built and natural environment from unauthorised developments. It includes identifying priority issues for the service and explains what action can be taken.

A recent report has revealed that Parking Fines in Swale have increased by almost 53 % since Parking Enforcement was outsourced in November 2011.

The Report revealed that from November 2010 to October 2011 - before out-sourcing - 14,052 fines were imposed, bringing in £339,819.

From November 2011 to October 2012 - after the private company was brought in - there were 21,673 penalty charges issued, generating £523,187.

Labour leader Cllr Roger Truelove said these were ‘striking figures'