A Newport couple have been left disheartened after being halted by planning orders on a plot of land they wished to turn into a garden.
Robert and Linda Plant have spent more than £1,000 on a plot of land they are renting, off Field Aston Lane, in Chetwynd Aston.
But they have been told to stop and down tools after being pulled up by Telford & Wrekin Council for unauthorised development on agricultural land.
Their planned developments included putting up a fence, siting a summer house and greenhouse and the occasional use of the land for parking of a campervan.
And after initially being told they could use it to park their campervan on for 28 days a year, the condition has since been withdrawn.
Mr Plant said: “I’m being pushed into a hole and I feel like walking away from the situation.
“I have spent over £1,000 on the site and had vehicles on the land to remove the rubbish.
“All we wanted it for was to use it as a garden, plant vegetables and park the campervan on it on the odd occasion.
“Residents have commented on how I was making a good job, cleaning it up.
“I'm doing them a favour, clearing the area, but I’m now being told to finish the fence and stop what I’m doing.”
Telford & Wrekin Council have explained that the developments planned would require permission for change of use on the land.
In a letter sent to Mr Plant, on August 6, Telford & Wrekin Planning Enforcement Officer Gerry Tew said: “The developments that are intended to be carried out require the express consent of the Local Planning Authority and I would further advise that it is unlikely these developments would be allowed.”
“Contrary to my comments to you yesterday, the use of the land for the parking of a campervan would not be allowed and the 28 day rule discussed yesterday would not apply.
“You may continue to clear the land but must not carry out any further work without seeking the required planning permission.”
Telford & Wrekin Council spokesman Jenny McGregor said there was no doubt the work being done was against planning regulations.
She said: “The work being carried out by the tenant of the land is unauthorised because it represents a change of use which requires planning permission.
“The tenant and owner of the land have been advised about this, both in person and writing, but planning officers would be happy to discuss this further with both parties.”
