Two owners of land near Alton could face a criminal record and unlimited fines after failing to follow a planning enforcement notice. 

Mr Harding and Mr Taylor were told to clear their land at 21 Abbey Road, Medstead by 16 October. The notice required them to remove water pumps, containers, generators, and other industrial equipment. 

Members of the public raised concerns last week about the site. In response, East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) said its planning enforcement officers would visit the land on 17 October to check if the equipment had been removed.

The council has now confirmed the land was not cleared as required.

A council spokesperson said:  “Failure to comply with a notice is an offence under the Planning Act. The landowners have been asked to explain why the land hasn’t been cleared and what they plan to do next. 

“This information, along with the officer’s findings, will be sent for legal advice to decide whether to prosecute. 

“Failing to comply with an enforcement notice is a criminal offence. If convicted, the court can issue substantial fines with no upper limit.” 

One concerned resident said: “Residents accept that formal enforcement takes time and care, but prompt, transparent action is essential to maintain public trust.

“The public deserves confidence that the planning system operates fairly, consistently, and with the necessary resolve to uphold the law.

“Local people fear that, without prompt and visible enforcement, the council will fail to uphold the decisions it has already secured, allowing unlawful development to continue unchecked.”

The landowners appealed the notice, but the Planning Inspectorate upheld it on 16 April 2025.

The Inspectorate ruled that within six months of that decision, the land must stop being used for industrial storage and distribution, known as B8 use and all equipment must be removed.