Councillors are being urged to take immediate enforcement action against the owner of a former Nelson pub for his failure to comply with an enforcement notice requiring him to remove roller shutters from the property.
The shutters were fitted at the former Trafalgar Hotel in Railway Street in 2010 without planning permission, and a subsequent planning application was refused by councillors who felt they were inappropriately designed.
The owner of the Trafalgar submitted a second application early in 2011, which was refused for the same reason.
A notice was served on the owner, allowing him 15 months to comply and giving him time to find other security methods.
A report to Pendle Council’s Nelson Committee on Monday recommends immediate action be taken.
Report author Lee Greenwood says: “The owners have raised concerns that the removal of the shutters will lead to increased criminal damage at the site due to a number of previous incidents and wish to retain them.
“While these comments are noted, the council are now in a position to proceed with prosecution for non-compliance with the notice, following two unsuccessful retrospective planning applications and a significant period for alternative measures to be sought.
“The owners have had a right of appeal at each stage of the process but have chosen not to exercise this.