High Court issues jail sentences for pair who built access point onto A road

A High Court judge has handed jail sentences to a man and a woman who built an access point onto an A road without planning permission.

The pair, Nadine Amy Strevett and Nima Cham, both of Milton Gate Stables in Wilmington, were sentenced in their absence by His Honour Judge Shetty in the High Court King’s Bench Division on 18 October.

The duo built the access point onto the A27 without permission.

Wealden District Council said the point gave no visibility in either direction and was a major highway safety issue.

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 His Honour Judge Ambrose on 9 March 2023. She also has to pay a fine of £2,000.

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.

Cllr Ian Tysh, Wealden's lead councillor for Planning and Environment, said: “This case is an important reminder of the ultimate consequences of breaches of planning control.

"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."

Adam Carey