Developer fined £20,000 for failing to complete landscaping

Chatsworth Homes Ltd was given permission to build the homes at Warren Farm, in The Street, in 2020. However, that was subject to a number of conditions – including the need for a landscaping scheme.

Mid Suffolk District Council visited the site in 2023 when it became apparent the landscaping had not been finished.

The developer was told the work must be completed, but subsequent attempts to contact Chatsworth Homes – including a warning that a Breach of Condition Notice would be served – received no response.

The notice was served but not complied with, resulting in Mid Suffolk District Council taking legal action.

Chatsworth Homes Ltd was found guilty of non-compliance with the Breach of Condition Notice at Ipswich Magistrates’ Court on 14 July. Nobody from the company attended the hearing.

The court said the company had been given sufficient time to respond and comply with the notice requirements.

Magistrates ordered Chatsworth Homes Ltd to pay a fine of £20,000 within 28 days. In addition, the company was ordered to pay a £2,000 victim surcharge, and costs of £784.76 to the council.

The court was told the company had a gross turnover of £2,000,000 in the financial year ending April 2023.

Cllr Andrew Stringer, Mid Suffolk’s cabinet member for heritage, planning and infrastructure, said:

“We always try to work with companies to resolve these matters without the need to go to court. 

“But this developer seemed to bury their head in the sand – they didn’t respond to our attempts to engage with them, and didn’t do the necessary work. That was completely unacceptable, and I am pleased the court has recognised this.”