11. Enforcement Activity / Compliance

The Council already indicates, through its website, a willingness to use the available powers for enforcement as may be necessary. However, this should give a clear priority to action in respect of the historic environment because it is so irreplaceable.

An objective understanding of the existing position can be gained from a photographic survey, which provides a baseline for measuring change, monitoring building condition or providing evidence for enforcement. Photographicrecordsshouldbe updated at least every four years because certainworkscarriedoutinbreachofplanning permission, or contrary to a condition of an existing permission, cannot be enforced against after four years. (There is no such time limit in respect of enforcement related to listed buildings).

While a photographic survey will provide the necessary evidential baseline, it is important that the area is monitored regularly so that action against unauthorised works can be taken promptly. This function can be performed informally by local amenity groups and the town council as much as by council officers.

Councils can take enforcement action to remedy untidy land andbuildings, which have a detrimental impact on the amenity of an area,viasection215oftheTownandCountry Planning Act.

DuetothenatureofSandown,thereisaneed for direct action to enhance eyesore sites. This is an action that has a financial implication for the Council and therefore, whilst necessary, decisions to take enforcementaction are not made lightly.

The Council should develop a programme of pro-active enforcement for Sandown ConservationAreausingtherange of powers available to it, to require building owners to repair and redecorate buildings which are harming local amenity or are vacant and in serious disrepair. The Council priorities to enforcement will be informed by the current Enforcement Strategy but should include key sites such as the site of the Former Savoy Apartments, the Ocean Hotel and the Esplanade Hotel. Such a programme of enforcement work should also include action onunauthorisedandharmfulsignageorother alterations including redundant or unauthorised satellite dishes.