Planning Inquiry into Heart Beach, Fillongley

Inspector to announce decision in 6-8 weeks

Heart Park Planning Inquiry

The Planning Inquiry concerning the Heart Park development at Heart of England in Fillongley has been taking place at the Borough Council's offices, led by Planning Inspector, Tony Fussey.

In late 2009 North Warwickshire Borough Council refused planning permission for the retention of a beach at Heart Park along with other developments which had gone ahead without planning permission.

Owner Stephen Hammon appealed against these refusals but a Planning Inspector dismissed his appeal in late 2010, upholding the Borough Council's planning refusal.

However, the beach and other developments were not removed and remained on site. As a result, the Borough Council issued Enforcement Notices which formally requested that the beach and other developments be removed according to the Planning Inspector's decision.

Mr Hammon has now launched another appeal against these Notices and this is the basis for the current inquiry and under a different inspector.  Essentially, the Inspector is hearing Mr Hammon's case to retain the beach and the Borough Council's case to have it removed, together with residents' views on how the beach and its use affects them.

The Inquiry closed yesterday, Thursday 13th September and the Planning Inspector will take up to 6-8 weeks to announce his decision.

The Borough Council will issue a statement for the website and media when the outcome is announced.