A WOMAN has been prosecuted for failing to comply with a planning notice after it was found car repairs were being carried out in her garage.

A North Somerset Council officer visited Janice Padfield’s property at 5 Hampton Road, Weston, in February after receiving a complaint.

It was evident cars were being worked on at the property.

A planning contravention notice (PCN) seeking more information about activities at the site was sent by the council on February 12 with a 21-day deadline for return.

Despite sending two reminders, the council did not receive a reply and so prosecuted Padfield.

She did not attend North Somerset Magistrates Court but was found guilty in her absence.

She was fined £600 for failure to comply with the PCN and ordered to pay £172 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

Councillor Ian Porter, chairman of the planning and regulatory committee, said: “We will investigate any alleged planning breaches and will not hesitate to prosecute those who do not comply.”