PENSIONER John Medlicott, who has hundreds of car bumpers stored on his land, is fighting a bid to get him to clean up the area.

The 71-year-old has been told by Wiltshire Council to tidy up the patch around his house at Sutton End, Crockerton or face prosecution.

Mr Medlicott is appealing against the order at the county court, having already failed in a similar appeal before magistrates.

He is challenging a notice under Section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 ordering ‘the restoration of the amenity’.

Should the notice, which has been suspended until after the appeal, be upheld and then not obeyed, Mr Medlicott could face prosecution.

The council will also have the right to go on to the land to carry out the work itself, and then charge him for it.

Mr Medlicott was not at the court for health reasons when the case was heard at Swindon County Court so directions could be made in advance of the appeal, which will be heard by a judge sitting with magistrates.

Planners first issued an enforcement order regarding vehicle parts being stored on the land in 2001.

The Section 215 notice was issued more recently and Mr Medlicott appealed against it before magistrates, but was unsuccessful.

In his appeal he claims that the order is invalid, disproportionate and that the amenity of the area is not damaged.

Judge Peter Blair QC adjourned the case and extended the suspension of the order.