Businesses failed to get permission for signs

BUSINESSES in Bridgend have been fined hundreds of pounds after failing to gain planning consent for advertising signs.

The display of advertisements is subject to a consent process within the planning system, being controlled with reference to their effect on amenity and public safety.

In March, Bridgend County Borough Council prosecuted four businesses.

Pyle Garden Centre was fined £4,000, ordered to pay £650 costs and a £140 victim’s surcharge.

They were represented in court and entered a guilty plea.

Cold Black Label, an independent drinks company, was found guilty in their absence and given a fine of £990, £400 legal costs, £136 investigation costs and a £99 victim’s surcharge.

Coyoti Ski & Snowboard which were represented in court and entered guilty pleas were fined £596, ordered to pay £500 costs, £166 investigation costs and a £60 victim’s surcharge.

LTS Tyres & Autos was found guilty in its absence and was fined £666, ordered to pay £350 legal costs and a £66 victim’s surcharge.

In 2017 the enforce- ment officer investigated 51 cases where advertisements were being displayed without the appropriate consent.

A report which went before councillors on the Development Control Committee on Thursday June 7 stated: “This is a criminal offence and the companies concerned were advised that they were contravening the advertisement regulations with a caution also being issued.

“In the majority of cases the advertisements were removed.

“However, where they were not removed the matter was referred to the legal section for prosecution.”