A homeowner who extended their garden without permission has lost a planning appeal.

In August 2019, a Chorleywood resident began fencing off some land next to their house.

Three Rivers District Council says it warned the homeowner this work required planning permission but the council says its warning was ignored.

The land in South Cottage Drive continued to be developed into a driveway and for residential use, and when a planning application was eventually submitted, it was refused, which the council says left no option but to subsequently serve an enforcement notice.

Watford Observer:

The land pictured prior to works. Credit: Three Rivers District Council

Watford Observer:

How the land looked after unauthorised work took place. Credit: Three Rivers District Council

Council officers believed the 'amenity land' in question was an "important feature" contributing to the the "open and spacious character" of the area - and said the loss of the open land would be "unacceptable".

The homeowner appealed against the enforcement notice issued in January but it was dismissed last month by a government planning inspector who agreed the the development would have a "significantly harmful effect on the character and appearance of the area".

Watford Observer:

Fencing which was put up around the land in question. Credit: Three Rivers District Council

The inspector said the alleged breach of planning control is the change of use of amenity land to its use for residential purposes - and said the land must be reverted to its original form.

This included taking down a fence, a brick wall, planting, and any debris - and then re-seed the land.

The homeowner has since complied with the orders placed by the inspector.

Watford Observer:

The land pictured recently after the planning appeal was lost. Credit: Three Rivers District Council

Three Rivers district councillor Steve Drury, lead member for planning, has stressed the importance of seeking pre-application advice first.

He said: "The message is clear, please seek pre-application advice prior to undertaken works as the council does have the power to require the removal of unauthorised works.

"Whilst council planners aim to work with homeowners, there comes a point when greater, stronger action is required like what has been undertaken in this instance."