A former leader of Somerset County Council has expressed strong criticism over the delays in enforcement action at a travellers' site near Taunton.
Over recent months, Somerset Council has acknowledged challenges in managing its planning enforcement workload, including reliance on agency staff from a district council in Staffordshire to support enforcement duties. In January, the council admitted it was struggling to keep up with enforcement cases.
Councillor David Fothergill, who led Somerset County Council between 2017 and 2022 and currently represents the Monkton and North Curry division, raised concerns at a recent full council meeting held in Bridgwater. He highlighted the backlog of enforcement cases and concerns that parish councils in his area were being discouraged from submitting additional reports.
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He pointed to a specific case at Stoney Ridge, Wrantage, where despite a previous planning refusal, a development of 16 static caravans has taken place. He noted the “considerable anxiety” within the parish council, with their clerk being informed that enforcement action might be delayed for up to 18 months due to the workload.
Councillor Fothergill queried the number of enforcement officers employed, the current backlog, expected waiting times for action on new cases, and measures being taken to improve enforcement. He also asked whether all parish councils had been instructed to refrain from direct contact with enforcement officers or if this applied solely to North Curry.
In response, Councillor Mike Rigby, portfolio holder for economic development, planning and assets, confirmed that the enforcement team comprises ten officers, with a total staff count of eleven including agency personnel. He revealed that, as of August, the council had over 1,200 outstanding enforcement cases.
He explained that all enforcement requests are triaged within one to two weeks to decide if cases require further investigation or can be closed. The timeline for enforcement action varies depending on each case, as the council initially seeks negotiated solutions. Applicants have the right to apply for planning permission and, if refused, to appeal, which can delay proceedings. Enforcement notices can also be appealed, further extending the timeline.
Councillor Rigby added that a comprehensive review of the enforcement service has been completed and work is underway to secure additional resources. Meanwhile, extra agency staff have been engaged to help reduce the backlog.
Regarding North Curry, he explained that the enforcement situation relates to the Greenacres site on Oxen Lane, which recently involved an interim injunction granted by the High Court shortly after the council meeting. An agreement allows the parish council to receive regular updates to limit correspondence and ensure enforcement resources are used effectively.
He emphasised that parish councils and members of the public should report any enforcement concerns through the council’s website.