'Strong warning to others' as council orders log cabin to be demolished
A man who erected a two-storey log cabin on land at Trevarren Farm near St Columb has been told it will be demolished within nine months.
David Cowburn built the log cabin and occupied it for residential purposes without planning permission, Restormel Borough Council said.
Restormel's planning enforcement team served an enforcement notice against Mr Cowburn, requiring the structure to be demolished with nine months.
Mr Cowburn had lodged an Appeal against this Enforcement Notice, however, an independent Government Inspector dismissed the Appeal and the building will now have to be demolished by August 4, 2009.
Jonathan Drew, the council's principal enforcement officer said: "This case was a clear breach of planning control and constituted the creation of a new dwelling in the countryside that is contrary to planning policy.
"The case should act as a strong warning to others that the council will take strong action against unauthorised developments that have little hope of obtaining planning permission."
9 Comments
by Eric the half a bee, Buzzin around
Friday, January 23 2009, 9:44AM
“I bet they woudln't have objected to Mr Cowbum's log cabin if he was a wealthy second log cabin owner from London!”
by Hayley Johnson, Staffordshire
Thursday, January 22 2009, 7:47PM
“Libby, you NEVER own the land, the Crown does, hence compulsory purchase etc. As a former law student, it didn't take long for me to become totally disillusioned by both the Criminal and Civil Laws in this country.”
by Maude, Higher Curtaintwitcher
Sunday, December 21 2008, 9:10PM
“Meanwhile in Carrick there has just been approved & built a park and ride for around 1200 cars which borders wide open countryside. Just down the road from the park & ride, a strip of land with a 40ft caravan which was sold with an enforcement order for the removal of the caravan yet two and half years later the caravan still firmly in place. Next door to that a farm in wide open countryside has planning for offices. So perhaps if he had applied for planning he might have ended up with permission for 100 houses, perhaps 50 affordable to grease the wheels. Or perhaps move to Carrick you can do what you like with the full backing of the planning office!”
by Rich, Helston
Monday, December 08 2008, 1:49PM
“One thing people never seem to grasp is planning permission is the law- breaking it is breaking the law, I'm glad he's been made to go through the proper channels, just like all the other law obiding citizens- and if it turns out he's not allowed it, then bad luck!
As far as Libbys comment is concerned- I own my car but i certainly can't do what I want in that!”
by Vincent Smith, Pendeen
Monday, December 08 2008, 8:36AM
“Penwith DC refuse to stop the illegal building on Carn Eanes in Pendeen by a certain person.They say that the ownership is in dispute.No its not.This was settled by the County Council years ago.
I wish that we had had Restormel to protect our land.Penwith aren'tinterested.”
by Jill Dumenil, Australia,formerly Newquay
Monday, December 08 2008, 2:59AM
“Just because he owned the land does not mean he can just build without planning permission. he could have put a caravan on the land ,but to build a two story log cabin,that is definately not on . There are safety issues ,thats why we must get planning permission. Obviously the others who commented have never built a house ,we built a house in Newquay many years ago 1975 in fact and of course we got planning permission. Without planning permission ,when a place is sold on, you could be buying a whole lot of trouble ,just think about it .”
by Richard, North coast Scotland
Sunday, December 07 2008, 8:56PM
“Must disagree Libby, I have land here in Scotland and in your eyes I could build a multi storey car park, or worse. Imagine what people would build if there was no control.
I think it's a pity when a log cabin has to be demolished though, they are very Earth friendly and fit into most landscapes well.”
by janet Lord, Devon
Saturday, December 06 2008, 5:22PM
“Could we have some more detailed reporting on this please?No,facts regarding why he built the cabin and who lives in it,what is its main purpose.Has he nowhere to live and would it be that or the streets?Was it built as an extension or for business reasons and why are the planning department all powerful in a supposed democracy?”
by Libby, Bodmin
Saturday, December 06 2008, 12:56PM
“Planning nazis. He owns the land so he should be able to do what he wants with it. We've got some very odd ideas in this country where we seem to think we should have the right to tell other people what they can and can't do with land that they've paid for themselves.”