Newark and Sherwood District Council awaiting county council and Network Rail’s views on unauthorised development on Bullpit Road, Balderton to determine if enforcement action will be taken

The views of rail management and the county council have been sought, to determine if enforcement action will be taken on an unlawful development.

Work began last week on a privately owned field off Bullpit Road, Balderton, with apparent hardstanding and fenced off pitches having been created on the site.

No planning permission had been sought or granted for the land, which is next to the railway crossing.

Newark and Sherwood District Council, the planning authority for the area, has now issued an update on potential enforcement action relating to the works.

It stated: “The council is aware of the unauthorised development that has taken place on Bullpit Road. We are also aware that some residents would have wanted the council to stop the works while they were taking place and to immediately remove the occupants from the site.

“Frustratingly, for the council and local residents, the law does not allow us to respond in this way. We are currently awaiting the views of Nottinghamshire County Council and Network Rail which will determine whether we serve an enforcement notice.

“If so, the enforcement notice will not become effective until 28 days from when it is served. We understand that this is irritating but these are not the council’s rules. We will continue to respond as quickly and effectively as the legislation allows.”

District councillors for the area, Johno Lee and Emma Oldham, previously released a joint statement saying they would “continue to monitor developments” regarding the site and keep residents informed.