Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s failure to take enforcement action against an unauthorised campsite. The Council confirms the use of the site for camping has now ceased. We consider further investigation will not lead to a different outcome.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains the Council is failing to take enforcement action against a 60 day campsite which does not have planning permission.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We investigate complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’, which we call ‘fault’. We must also consider whether any fault has had an adverse impact on the person making the complaint, which we call ‘injustice’. We provide a free service but must use public money carefully. We do not start or continue an investigation if we decide further investigation would not lead to a different outcome.

(Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended, section 34(B))

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How I considered this complaint

3. I considered information provided by Mr X and the Council.
4. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

5. In response to my enquiries the Council has confirmed the use of the site for camping has ceased. It also confirms the landowner is taking a civil approach with the owner of the camping equipment including the shower block, barbeques and tables for their removal.

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Final decision

6. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because the use of the land for camping has now ceased. Further investigation will not lead to a different outcome.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman