Purpose

Officer decision

Content

Serve a notice under s215 of the Town &
Country Planning Act 1990 to require works to improve the visual
appearance of 8 The Terrace, Bickington, Barnstaple EX31
2JP.

Reasons for the decision

1.1. The condition of the building and garden
adversely affects the amenity of the area.
1.2. The proposed requirements of the s215 Notice (the Notice) do
not exceed what is necessary for preventing the condition of the
building from adversely affecting the amenity of any part of the
area. Further, the proposed requirements will remedy the harm
currently being caused by the condition of the building. The
proposed requirements are set out in section 6.4 below.

6.4. The required works are as follows:

1. Repair and or replace on a like for like basis any defective
roof tiles and/or flashing to ensure that the roof is
watertight
2. Clear, repair and/or replace on a like for like basis any
defective rainwater goods to ensure that the rainwater disposal
system is effective in removing rainwater from the site
3. Repair the exterior rear wall and render to ensure that it is
effective in preventing water ingress and repaint in a colour to
match the existing wall
4. Clear the overgrown vegetation from the rear garden to ground
level
5. Remove any resulting rubbish and debris from the land and
dispose of it in a responsible manner

6.1. Council tax has the property recorded as empty and unoccupied
since 2023

6.2. Following complaints regarding the appearance of the building
and rear garden I have undertaken site visits. There is a large
hole in the first floor rear of the building. It is possible that
the roof and guttering are defective and water has penetrated the
render, which has fallen from the building, exposing it to further
potential damage. The rear garden is also overgrown. The appearance
and condition of the property adversely affects the amenity of the
neighbours and locality.

6.3. I have written to the beneficiary of the estate of the late
owner but have not received a response.

6.4. The required works are as follows:
1. Repair and or replace on a like for like basis any defective
roof tiles and/or flashing to ensure that the roof is
watertight
2. Clear, repair and/or replace on a like for like basis any
defective rainwater goods to ensure that the rainwater disposal
system is effective in removing rainwater from the site
3. Repair the exterior rear wall and render to ensure that it is
effective in preventing water ingress and repaint in a colour to
match the existing wall
4. Clear the overgrown vegetation from the rear garden to ground
level
5. Remove any resulting rubbish and debris from the land and
dispose of it in a responsible manner

Alternative options considered

3.1. The owner of the building has passed away
and his Will names a beneficiary who has not responded to my
efforts to engage to seek improvements to the building and
land.