Cracking down on illegal development in the Green Belt

Published on 3 October 2020

Staffordshire Moorlands will receive a slice of a £2 million fund to crack down on illegal development in the Green Belt.

The District Council is one of 37 local authorities across the country to receive up to £50,000 as part of the Government's drive to protect the UK's Green Belt for future generations.

Reforms to the national planning rulebook last year maintained the strong protections on the Green Belt which protects an area's character and prevents urban sprawl. Only in exceptional circumstances can land in the Green Belt be built on.

Councillor Edwin Wain, Cabinet Member for Planning, Development and Property, said: "We're delighted to have been awarded this funding which will help us to fight inappropriate development and pursue those who continually flout planning regulations.

"We are committed to protecting the Green Belt in the Staffordshire Moorlands - it is one of the defining characteristics that contributes to the beauty of the district and is highly valued by residents, businesses and visitors."

The Council will use the funding to pursue long-standing enforcement breaches in the Green Belt, including new buildings which have been built without planning permission, and prosecuting those who persistently fail to comply with enforcement notices.