Section 150 and 151: Service of stop notices by councils or the Department
These sections allow a council or the Department to issue a stop notice requiring that an activity for which an enforcement notice has been issued should cease. The Department must consult the appropriate council before serving a stop notice. A stop notice has immediate effect unless a council or Department state otherwise. The contravention of a stop notice is an offence and the maximum level of fine for contravention of a stop notice is increased to £100,000 on summary conviction. A person may be convicted and fined on indictment for this type of offence and courts are required to take account of any benefits accrued or which appear likely to accrue as a result of the offence.