Paving/decking

[Grafter]

Hi Ian, 

I own a log cabin adjacent to a river in a sssi site, the log cabin had concrete paving slabs around front and both sides. The side adjacent to the riverbank was concrete paving slabs then a timber decking area extending beyond paving slabs due to the slope of the riverbank, I have since extended the decking over top of the paving slabs, the environment agency have got involved and are demanding the complete decking has to be removed, however can they force me to remove decking / paving slabs, as the paving has been in situe for over 15 years.  ( can you put decking on top of existing paving slabs?)

Also if the paving slabs have been there for over 15 years surely they cannot force me to remove and return site back to natural habitat? 

Regards 

Grafter

[Ian Walmsley]

Hi,

They may well have powers to restrict development of the decking. Whether they have powers to remove the slabs, unfortunately I am not sure.

Normally any such planning issues would be dealt with by the local authority, but certain legislation can override planning legislation.

If this is a formal notice, you are within your rights to ask them as to the legislation they are operating under given that the slabs have been there for 15 plus years.

Sorry that I can't be of more assistance.

You are welcome to post this on our Facebook group at https://facebook.com/groups/planninggeek - but this is not anonymous. Someone there might know.