Owner of an unauthorised structure in West Byfleet told to remove it

The structure, a large front canopied enclosure made of scaffolding poles, corrugated metal sheeting, composite panels and metal gate, was erected without planning permission. It has drawn repeated concerns from members of the public due to its stark and visually intrusive appearance, dominating the street scene in Abbot Close, West Byfleet.

Complaints were first received about the structure being erected in March 2024 prior to a planning application, submitted by the owner in February 2024, being determined. Application PLAN/2024/0161 was refused by the council in July 2024 on visual amenity and character grounds but, despite this outcome, the owner made further alterations and additions to the unlawful structure. The subsequent appeal was dismissed by the Planning Inspectorate in March 2025.

Following this appeal decision, the council wrote to the owner instructing him to remove the unlawful structure by the end of April 2025. However, during a site visit on 1 May 2025, officers found the structure remained in place, leaving the council no alternative but to seek authorisation to proceed with formal enforcement action which was approved at the July 2025 Planning Committee.

Speaking about the enforcement notice, Cllr Louise Morales, Woking Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Building Control, said: 

The council has been more than reasonable throughout this process. We gave the owner multiple opportunities to resolve the issue through the proper planning process.

Both the council and an independent Planning Inspector concluded that the structure was unacceptable, and it is now time for it to be removed. We will not hesitate to consider further legal action if the notice is not complied with.

The enforcement notice requires the owner to remove the structure within three months of the notice taking effect on 1 October 2025 (unless it is appealed). Failure to comply may result in further legal proceedings.