Publican facing legal action over Broads Authority caravan row
The Beauchamp Arms pub. Picture: David Hannant - Credit: Archant
A publican who was previously ordered to remove three static caravans by the Broads Authority is facing legal action over the dispute.
In 2018, Ray Hollocks, landlord of the Beauchamp Arms pub by the banks of the River Yare installed three static caravans on site.
He hoped that this would enable him to diversify the pub's trade by providing accommodation to fishermen, which at the time he said was the only way he could see it remaining a viable business.
But, later that year the BA opted to take enforcement action against him, requiring him to remove the statics, which it said required planning permission.
Static caravans outside of the car park of the Beauchamp Arms pub. Picture: David Hannant - Credit: Archant
Now, the BA is preparing to prosecute Mr Hollocks, with the vans still in situ more than two years later.
The pending prosecution comes following a visit to the Langley site in October, which found three caravans, prompting the BA to serve a notice on Mr Hollocks asking for further information on them, including who owned them and addresses- to determine if a planning breach had taken place.
However, after the BA disputed information provided by the publican, members of its planning committee unanimously voted in favour of taking legal action against him.
Cally Smith, head of planning at the BA, said: “We have asked the landowner to provide us with some simple information so that we can work out whether or not planning permission is required.
Most Read
- 1 M&S to close 32 stores as part of move away from town centres
- 2 WATCH: 'Unplayable' delivery from Suffolk bowler goes viral
- 3 Men fined more than £600 for fishing illegally
- 4 A47 clears following long delays after four-vehicle crash
- 5 9 of the best campsites on the Norfolk coast
- 6 Farmer says cousin's wedding venue will bring 'criminal activity'
- 7 Norfolk zoo keeper abandoned as a baby reunited with mother in ITV show
- 8 The best places to eat in north Norfolk according to The Good Food Guide
- 9 Green light for new Sainsbury's store on 850-home estate
- 10 Factory worker was found dead at home, court told
"We have extended the deadline three times, but he has still not cooperated, so this leaves us with little choice but to commence prosecution proceedings.
"We hope the risk of a prosecution and a criminal record will be enough to prompt a response from the individual.”
But Mr Hollocks said: "I find it incredible with all the issues in the country that the Broads Authority is continuing this action, especially as it relates to the hospitality and leisure industry.
"The matter seems very confusing - I filled the information in to the best of my knowledge. If I did not know an answer I simply stated this fact."
