Wiltshire Council has approved a new document to help deter offenders and prevent further infringements.
The document brings together all enforcement policies to create an “assertive and coordinated approach”
It is hoped the enforcement policy will also help to increase compliance.
The document was discussed by those present at the full council meeting on Tuesday, October 15.
Wiltshire Council’s leader Richard Clewer said: “Enforcement can sometimes be seen as a bit of a blunt tool or a bit of a punitive tool.
READ MORE: Enforcement team carry out search at Wiltshire fly-tipping site
“That is not what enforcement is there for.
“Enforcement is there to prevent harm to people, to prevent harm to the environment, to ensure we are all playing by the same rules when it comes to planning.”
SEE ALSO: Trowbridge builder's 'gargoyle' stunt in planning row hits headlines
Liberal Democrat Cllr Brian Mathew, who recently became MP for Melksham and Devizes, suggested a need for “humanity” and the ability for people to appeal in the case of genuine mistakes.
The cabinet member for highways, Cllr Nick Holder, reminded him that every fly tip enforcement action by Wiltshire Council that has been taken to court has so far been upheld.
He noted: “There is an opportunity for people who are served with a notice to appeal that notice.”
Cllr Holder concluded he was satisfied that the point raised by Cllr Mathew was dealt with in the policy.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel