Key Points:
- Havering Council has issued a temporary stop notice to the Palms Hotel in Hornchurch, located on Southend Arterial Road, halting all construction activities.
- The enforcement action addresses alleged breaches of planning control, including unauthorised engineering operations and removal of green vegetation.
- The hotel had previously received an enforcement notice in February 2025 for not complying with conditions related to an approved extension project.
- Hotel director Suresh Konduru stated that their architects are in communication with the council to resolve the issues.
Havering Council has issued a temporary stop notice to the Palms Hotel, located on Southend Arterial Road in Hornchurch, effectively halting all construction activities on the site. This action, taken on March 21, 2025, follows allegations of unauthorised development and non-compliance with planning conditions.
What led to the Council’s enforcement action?
The council’s notice cites several breaches of planning control by the Palms Hotel, including unauthorised engineering operations, removal of green vegetation, and laying of hard surfaces without proper permission. Additionally, the construction of extensions proceeded without fulfilling conditions set in the prior planning approval. These conditions required the submission and approval of a comprehensive landscaping and planting scheme before any above-ground work could commence. The council deemed the information provided insufficient to assess the appropriateness of the proposed landscaping.
What restrictions does the temporary stop notice impose?
The temporary stop notice mandates the cessation of all development activities on the hotel’s premises. This includes halting the construction of new extensions, stopping the removal of green vegetation, and prohibiting the laying of hard surfaces. Furthermore, the notice forbids the importation of construction materials such as hardcore, aggregates, and any other materials that could facilitate unauthorised activities on the site.
Has the Palms Hotel previously faced enforcement notices?
Yes, this is not the first time the Palms Hotel has been subject to enforcement action. In February 2025, the council issued a breach of condition notice to the hotel for failing to comply with specific conditions related to an approved extension project. The recent temporary stop notice indicates ongoing concerns regarding the hotel’s adherence to planning regulations.
How is the Palms Hotel responding to the Council’s actions?
In response to the enforcement notice, Suresh Konduru, a director at the Palms Hotel, stated, “Our architects are in contact with the officer from the council and he will be submitting the response soon (to) discuss these matters further.” This suggests that the hotel is seeking to address the council’s concerns and work towards compliance with the necessary planning regulations.
What are the Implications of Non-Compliance with Planning Enforcement Notices?
Failure to comply with a valid enforcement notice is a criminal offence and may lead to prosecution through the courts. Havering Council’s Planning Enforcement Policy outlines various measures to address breaches, including enforcement notices, breach of condition notices, and stop notices. These actions aim to ensure that development within the borough aligns with approved planning policies and regulations.
The situation at the Palms Hotel underscores the importance of adhering to planning permissions and conditions set by local authorities to maintain orderly and lawful development within the community.
