O ystyried pryder lleol am ddatblygiadau anghyfreithlon o amgylch ardal Peterstone yng Nghasnewydd, pa gynlluniau sydd gan y Gweinidog i gryfhau effeithiolrwydd hysbysiadau atal a gyhoeddir gan awdurdodau lleol os ydynt yn credu bod rheolaeth gynllunio wedi'i thorri?
Stop notices are an effective tool available to local planning authorities to ensure that unauthorised activity ceases immediately.
The scope of when, and upon whom, a stop notice can be served is extremely broad. The penalty for contravening a stop notice is significant with it being an immediate criminal offence for anyone to contravene, or cause or permit the contravention of, the prohibition in the stop notice once it takes effect. A person guilty of an offence is liable to an unlimited fine by the Courts. The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 also enables local planning authorities to recover the financial benefit that the offender has obtained following successful conviction.
A recent review of planning law in Wales considered stop notices, recommending only technical reforms relating to their service and when they come into effect. I will be publishing my response to this review shortly.
Ultimately, it is for local planning authorities to consider the broad range of powers available to them when investigating breaches of planning control and, where appropriate, using their powers to prosecute offenders for non-compliance with enforcement notices where served.