Two people involved in a planning row with the council face prison after a judge issued a warrant for their arrest.
Judge Rajeev Shetty sentenced Nadine Amy Strevett and Nima Cham, both of Milton Gate Stables, in Wilmington, in their absence and issued warrants for their arrest.
Wealden District Council said: “Two people have been given prison sentences for ignoring planning enforcement actions and a High Court order.
“Nadine Amy Strevett and Nima Cham, both of Milton Gate Stables, in Wilmington, were sentenced in their absence by Judge Shetty in the High Court of Justice King’s Bench Division on Friday 18 October.
“The case was brought to court by Wealden District Council after an access point on to the A27 – which gave no visibility in either direction and was a major highway safety issue – was created from the site in Wilmington without planning permission.
“Ms Strevett was sentenced to five months’ imprisonment suspended for 12 months on the condition that she complies with the outstanding requirements of an injunction order made by Judge Euan Ambrose on Thursday 9 March 2023.
“She also has to pay a fine of £2,000.
“Mr Cham was sentenced to five months’ imprisonment.
“An arrest warrant has been issued by the court.
“Both defendants will have to pay Wealden District Council’s court costs of £16,841.50.”
Green councillor Ian Tysh, part of the Alliance for Wealden Group that runs the council, said: “This case is an important reminder of the ultimate consequences of breaches of planning control.”
Councillor Tysh, the lead councillor for planning and the environment, added: “It is crucial that, when faced with allegations of breaches, you take professional advice and engage with the council.
“Repeatedly ignoring the council’s enforcement actions and then ignoring a court order may result in a jail sentence.”
