New sections 225A and 225B: Power to remove structures used for unauthorised display
322.New section 225A allows a local planning authority in England to remove any display structure in their area which, in their opinion, is used for the display of illegal advertisements. This is not effective against a structure in a building to which the public have no right of access.
323.Before taking any action, the local planning authority must serve a removal notice on the person responsible for the erection and maintenance of the structure, provided they can identify the person. If not, the authority must fix the removal notice to the structure or display it in the vicinity and serve a copy on the occupier of the land, if one is known or can be identified. If the removal notice is not complied with within the time allowed (at least 21 days), the authority may remove the structure and recover its expenses from anyone served with the removal notice. A person who can satisfy the authority that he or she was not responsible for either the erection or maintenance of the structure cannot be required to pay the expenses.
324.If the authority damages any land or chattels in removing the structure, they must pay compensation, but not for damage to the structure removed or for damage reasonably caused in moving the structure.
325.There is a right of appeal to the magistrates’ court against a section 225A notice. However, in proceedings for cost recovery the applicant cannot raise any issue that they could have raised in an appeal against the notice.
