Wiltshire residents who neglect their garden could face enforcement action.
Wiltshire Council has in the past exercised its powers to forcibly clear a garden in Chippenham after it became extremely overgrown and piles of rubbish, including sheets of asbestos, were found.
But when can the council intervene to clear an overgrown garden, and what powers does it have?
Section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 says an owner or occupier may be served with an enforcement notice if the condition of their land “adversely affects” the amenity of the land or adjoining areas.
This notice requires them to remedy the situation within a specified timeframe of at least 28 days.
If this is not done, the council can step in to clear the land and can recover the cost from the owner.
After this happened on Eastern Avenue in Chippenham back in 2025, Cllr Adrian Foster, cabinet member for strategic planning, development management and housing, said the council will intervene in cases of “serious neglect”.
He said: “We don’t expect for every home to have a show garden, but in this instance the property was severely overgrown, untidy and unsightly, which ultimately affects the look and character of the surrounding area and impacts the community.
“Enforcement is always a last resort, but we will not hesitate to act when properties fall into serious neglect and impact the wider neighbourhood.”
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