Wrexham County Borough Council has taken swift legal action following a serious breach of planning control on a plot of private land off Old Smelt Road/Nant Lais, Coedpoeth.
On Friday 28th August, an unauthorised development took place on the site, and significant engineering works—including the bringing in of hardcore, machinery, as well as touring caravans—commenced without planning permission.
In response, the Council’s planning enforcement team visited on the same day and issued a Temporary Stop Notice. This notice prohibits any further development.
In addition, the Council has successfully secured an urgent High Court interim injunction under the Town and Country Planning Act to immediately halt unauthorized development and residential occupation on land at Old Smelt Road/Nant Lais, Coedpoeth.
The legal order was granted by a Court Judge late in the afternoon of Friday 4 September and was formally served on-site by planning enforcement officers on the evening of Friday 4 September.
The interim injunction introduces strict, immediate prohibitions on the privately-owned land.
Councillor Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Planning and Public Protection said, “From the outset Wrexham Council planning and legal teams have been proactive.
Immediately the Council was made aware of the activity, a Temporary Stop Notice was served the same day.
This notice was ignored and the Council then proceeded to gather the necessary evidence to place before the Court.
This was done yesterday evening when an application to the Court for an interim injunction order was granted. This was served on the site just after 20:00 hours.
The Order prevents further development from taking place. A further hearing is scheduled for a week on Monday. Any further development that takes place whilst the Order is in force would result in the persons doing so being in contempt of court.
This demonstrates the Councils commitment to ensure proper compliance with our planning system will be rigorously enforced and sends a clear message to those who seek to abuse it”
The Council are also working closely with Natural Resources Wales (NRW), who have instigated their own investigations into sites where tipping has occurred, to ensure that our efforts to bring about resolutions are effectively coordinated.
A spokesperson for Natural Resources Wales (NRW) said:
“We are currently investigating ongoing deposits at a site on Old Smelt Road. On Friday 28 August, one of our officers attended the site shortly after the report was received to assess the situation and gather initial evidence.
“Further site visits have been conducted as part of our ongoing investigation. Should any offences be identified, we will take the appropriate regulatory action.
“We are working closely with Wrexham County Borough Council, as the matter may fall within the regulatory responsibilities of both organisations.
“If you need to report an environmental incident or pollution event, please use our online reporting form or contact our 24-hour Incident Communications Centre on 0300 065 3000.”
