A FOREST couple who converted their garage into a home for themselves without planning permission have each been fined £2,350 for flouting a council order to return the building to its original use.

Gordon Games, 82, and Gaynor Games, 76, of The Slad, Popes Hill, were also ordered by Cheltenham magistrates to pay costs of £1,440 each and surcharges of £181 each, a total of £7,942.

Both denied failing to comply with an enforcement notice from Forest Council but they were convicted.

The court heard that the couple have lived in the main house at the site but they sold that after converting the garage and moving into it.

The charge that was found proved by the magistrates said that the couple had “failed to demolish the building and all associated drainage; failed to remove from the property all resultant materials generated through demolition; and failed to remove from the property all other associated residential paraphernalia.”

A council spokesperson said: “At Cheltenham Magistrates Court on Monday 20th February 2023 Mr and Mrs Games were ordered to pay a £2,350.00 fine each and the Council were also awarded costs.

“The prosecution was brought by Forest of Dean District Council’s Planning Enforcement Team with the assistance of the Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit, after an enforcement notice was issued to the couple in December 2017.

“The couple converted the garage at their property into a residential dwelling without planning permission. The Council’s Planning Enforcement Team conducted inspection visits after receiving complaints.

“The main host dwelling, which was originally occupied by the couple, had been sold. The couple then moved into the garage and separated the land from the main house.

“An enforcement notice was issued for the garage to be returned to its original state and the use of this building as a residential dwelling to be ceased. The couple failed to comply with this notice.”

The Leader of Forest of Dean District Council, Councillor Tim Gwilliam said “It is important that the Local Planning Authority takes appropriate enforcement action, in the public interest when unauthorised developments of this kind take place.

“We can provide advice to anyone who wants to make changes to their property. We are here to help people stay on the right side of planning law to make the process as easy as possible for them.”