Tameside Council wins legal action against housing developer

DEVELOPERS have been warned that action will be taken against breaches of planning permission after Tameside Council won a recent legal case.

Juno Contracts Ltd was ordered by Manchester County Court to remedy the planning issues and pay costs to the Council.

Planning permission was granted in February 2020 to demolish the existing buildings at the site of the former Globe Works at Brook Street, Hyde, and build 37 houses and 6 apartments. Planning conditions were not fully complied with when constructing the properties.

Tameside Council sought an injunction to enforce compliance with the planning permission and conditions and to prevent properties being occupied until these had been met. It also carried out a prosecution against the developer, BAK Contracts (Blackpool) Ltd for failing to ensure there was an adequate system of drainage on the land.

The land owner, Juno Contracts Ltd were ordered to remedy the issues and pay costs of £17,394 and to pay £48,937 to fulfil an education contribution obligation and another £7,760 costs. The firm has agreed to an undertaking to do the works required.

BAK Contracts (Blackpool) Ltd, who were contracted to carry out drainage work, were fined £20,000 by the Magistrates Court and ordered to pay full costs of £6,200.

Councillor Jan Jackson, Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Planning, Transport and Connectivity, said: “This court result is an excellent outcome that demonstrates how there will be repercussions for developers that don’t abide by the law.

“Developers must comply with building regulations and planning conditions and we will not hesitate to take legal action against those that don’t in order to protect our residents and communities.

“We have supported residents involved in this situation throughout and will be continuing to monitor the development to ensure that the issues are remedied. I’d like to thank the officers and ward councillors involved for their hard work in pursuing this successful case and ensuring that residents were supported.”