One of the UK’s biggest building firms has been fined for creating a construction compound without permission.

Balfour Beatty Utilities was fined £10,000 by Lancaster Council, after residents made several complaints about the depot in Halton, near Lancaster.


A court was told how council planners were forced to take enforcement action against Balfour Beatty and began legal proceedings after they failed to comply within the specific time limit.

The company pleaded guilty to breaching planning laws. The company was also ordered to pay Lancaster Council’s costs.

Eileen Blamire, Chairman of the council's planning committee, said: "This prosecution should demonstrate to the public and large development companies that we will only be tolerant to a point."

(NS)