What can happen if I fail to comply with a formal notice?
It should be emphasised that in all stages of the enforcement proceedings, Enforcement Officers will assist in concerns that you may have, whether you are a complainant or an alleged contravenor. You will be advised of relevant Committee dates and can submit information to be reported to such meetings. You can also contact your local Ward Councillor and a list of names, addresses and telephone numbers of all the East Devon District Council Councillors is available on request. Once again feel free to contact the Enforcement Officers at any time during working hours for any background information and assistance you may require.
If you are served with an Enforcement Notice or Breach of Condition Notice, and do not comply with it, or if you appeal against it and your appeal is dismissed, the matter becomes a criminal offence and the Authority will pursue it through the Courts.
Failure to comply with an Enforcement Notice can lead to a fine not exceeding £20,000 being imposed by the Courts and the fine for non-compliance with the Breach of Condition Notice is up to £1,000. Unauthorised works to a tree subject of a Tree Preservation Order may lead to a fine of up to £20,000. Unauthorised works to a listed building may lead to a fine not exceeding £20,000 and/or imprisonment. The illegal display of advertisements can lead to a fine not exceeding £2,500 plus a daily fine on conviction.
