A garage owner in Warrington has been fined and instructed to remove an extension built without the necessary planning permission. Douglas Percival, 80, of Wayside Cottages, Stretton, admitted to not complying with an enforcement notice requiring the removal of the extension to his Ring of Bells garage on Northwich Road, Stretton.
The extension, constructed at the rear of the garage using inconsistent materials, became the subject of an enforcement investigation by the Council. Despite multiple requests for its removal, an enforcement notice was served. Following non-compliance, Mr Percival informed the Council that building work had ceased and the structure was temporary. However, the extension remained, prompting the Council to pursue court action.
Mr Percival pleaded guilty to the charge at Warrington Magistrates Court on 7 May 2025. He received a fine of £450, reduced to £300 for his early guilty plea, along with a £120 victim surcharge and £1183 in costs, totalling £1603. He stated that he had received incorrect advice regarding the construction and would now remove the extension as required by the enforcement notice.
Cllr John Kerr-Brown, cabinet member for environment and public protection, acknowledged the challenges faced by business owners and their contribution to the local economy. However, he emphasised the importance of environmental protection and ensuring development aligns with the council’s planning policies. He stated that court action is a necessary but difficult step when businesses fail to cooperate on these matters. He expressed hope that the business would now remove the extension and, if replacement is intended, follow the proper channels to obtain planning permission for a more suitable structure.
Source: Warrington Worldwide