The Planning Authority has ordered two companies to cease the unauthorised parking and storage of heavy vehicles and machinery at Kampong Masin, Mukim Pengkalan Batu, after finding the activities breached Section 23(2) of the Town and Country Planning Act (Chapter 248).
The companies had been using four residential lots to park and store heavy vehicles and machinery without obtaining Planning Permission, despite the land being approved for residential use.
The Planning Authority said such activities are incompatible with residential areas as they may affect the wellbeing of nearby residents, create safety hazards, increase noise and traffic disturbances, and cause damage to public roads and infrastructure. Heavy vehicle parking and storage should only be carried out in designated industrial areas equipped for such operations.
Following enforcement action, both companies ceased the unauthorised activities and relocated their operations to a designated industrial area in compliance with planning requirements.
The Planning Authority reminded the public that any development or change in the use of land requires prior Planning Permission under Section 23 of the Town and Country Planning Act (Chapter 248). Anyone convicted of carrying out development without Planning Permission may be fined up to BND200,000, while continuing offences may attract an additional fine of up to BND10,000 for each day the offence continues after conviction.
Members of the public seeking planning advice or wishing to report unauthorised developments or land use activities may contact the Town and Country Planning Department hotline at 8200 222.