§ Vernon CoakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what powers are available to local authorities to compel private landowners to clear up derelict sites. [23]
§ Ms KeebleSection 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 gives local planning authorities a discretionary power to require private landowners to clear up sites if they are adversely affecting the condition of land or amenity in their area.
If owners do not comply with a notice served under s215, local planning authorities have the power under s219 to enter the land to carry out the specified work and recover the costs incurred from the landowner.
The Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions last September published research on "Derelict Land and Section 215 Powers" which included a number of practical suggestions to facilitate its use.