A HAMPSHIRE homeowner has been ordered to pay £1,750 for failing to demolish walls and gates at the entrance to his property.

David Young, from Soberton, built the structures on Dradfield Lane without planning permission – then did not fully comply with an enforcement notice to knock them down again.

Two government inspectors had agreed with Winchester City Council that the walls and gates were out of character with the area and should be removed.

Mr Young, of S&D Nurseries, had started demolition work before a hearing at Fareham Magistrates’ Court – but magistrates ordered him to finish the job. He was fined £1,000 and told to pay £750 costs.

The council’s portfolio holder for planning, Rob Humby, said: “This case is a reminder to all residents of the consequences of undertaking works without planning permission. It has been an expensive lesson for Mr Young who was given plenty of opportunity to comply with the notice but chose to ignore it.”