The owner of a Waterlooville home who allowed it to fall into serious disrepair has been prosecuted by Havant Borough Council’s Planning Enforcement team.
The run-down house, in Round Way, has been deteriorating over the past few years and the owner did not comply with a council order to fix it up.
The property’s owner, John Farmer, of Borehamwood in Hertfordshire, was ordered to pay an £800 fine and £200 costs by Portsmouth Magistrates Court for not keeping the property in good condition.
Havant Borough Council Planning Enforcement Team has been trying without success to encourage Farmer to improve the property for more than two years.
Among other issues the semi-detached house needs work on its windows, doors, facias and soffits, guttering, downpipes, felt roof, tiles, light fittings and the garage. It has overgrown gardens and it has attracted rats.
Farmer did not comply with a Section 215 Notice, issued in 2020, ordering him to improve the property and the case was eventually brought to court on February 27, 2022.
In his absence the court heard that he had shown no interest in working on the property and had allowed it to fall into serious disrepair.
Cllr Narinder Bains, Cabinet Lead for Community Safety and Organisational Development, said: “This property is a real eye-sore, it is ruining the character of the street and encroaching damp and unchecked rats are causing serious issues for the adjoining neighbours.
“It is the responsibility of any home-owner to keep their property in a good state of repair, even if they don’t live there.
“This house is in a very poor condition and the situation could become quite serious if it is allowed to deteriorate further.”
The Planning Enforcement Team will continue to take the necessary action to see the property repaired.