Mr Ryder-Large, who owns land in East Mascalls Lane (in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) was found in breach of planning control when he stored old mobile homes and caravans on his land. Mid Sussex District Council received numerous complaints from local residents about various activities on the site, including complaints that the vehicles were having a negative aesthetic impact on the landscape.
Despite the Council contacting the landowner, Mr Ryder-Large, to try and resolve the issue, he failed to co-operate. Subsequently, the Council issued an Enforcement Notice that required the removal of the offending items. Mr Ryder-Large exercised his rights of appeal against the Enforcement Notice, but was unsuccessful. Despite the long period of time in which he could have complied with the Notice, Mr Ryder-Large continued to ignore the Enforcement Notice and the Council was left with no choice but to prosecute for non-compliance.
Following various legal delays, Mr Ryder-Large was due to appear at Hove Crown Court on Wednesday 16 September but failed to attend trial, claiming he had Swine Flu. Judge David Rennie found that there was no medical evidence to justify the claim and issued a warrant for his arrest because he was satisfied that Mr Ryder-Large was deliberately manipulating the system to delay proceedings.
Mr Ryder-Large was arrested and brought before the court on Thursday 17 September where he pleaded guilty to all charges. Judge Rennie agreed to release him on bail for six weeks until sentencing at Hove Crown Court on Thursday 29 October.
The Council is determined to ensure that Mr Ryder-Large clears the land in accordance with the requirements of the Enforcement Notice served in May 2006 without further delay.
ENDS
PR1114/MC/MF
24 September 2009
