A homeowner must pay nearly £3,000 for failing to remove a terrace he raised without planning permission that overlooked neighbours’ homes.

Three Rivers District Council took Croxley Green resident Jermain Morrison to court after he defied an enforcement notice relating to the work in Oakleigh Drive.

Having raised the patio without permission and then failing to cooperate with council officers, he was ordered to pay £2,750 within 28 days at St Albans Magistrates’ Court.

The unauthorised patio in Oakleigh Drive, Croxley Green.The unauthorised patio in Oakleigh Drive, Croxley Green. (Image: Three Rivers District Council) While some extension and alterations to a property are permitted development, meaning planning permission is not required, officers determined in this case a planning application was required.

Three Rivers said the raised patio caused an “unacceptable level of overlooking” into neighbouring properties.

Council leader Stephen Giles-Medhurst said: “Unlike many other planning breaches which are rectified through effective cooperation and negotiation with homeowners, officers had no choice but to prosecute in this instance.

“The owner made his thoughts clear early on and maintained his innocence until the end. It is hoped that this case acts as a warning to those that do not wish to engage with planning officers.”

The council said it will now be considering its next steps to ensure the patio is removed, as per the requirements of the enforcement notice.

A spokesperson added: “It is always important to check with the district council’s planning department prior to undertaking extension or alteration works.

“It is advisable to either utilise the council’s free householder duty planner service or submit a certificate of lawfulness to ascertain whether the works would be permitted development or not.”