Two businesses have been issued with fines totalling nearly £5,000 for flouting Three Rivers planning and licensing laws.

G and D Groundworks, in Bucknalls Lane, Garston, pleaded guilty to breaching an enforcement notice and was fined £4,000 by Watford Magistrates Court on May 12.

The notice protected an open piece of Green Belt land at the back of Lemonfield Drive from commercial building. Many residents contacted the district council complaining about the condition of the land.

Mr Baluch, owner of Farmhouse Pizza, in Watford Road, admitted that the Croxley Green takeaway had been opening later than the planning permission allowed and he was fined £700 by Watford Magistrates Court on April 28.

Three Rivers had issued a breach of condition notice following noise complaints from residents. 

When council staff visited the takeaway they found that it was still opening beyond the permitted hours.

Ann Shaw, leader of the Liberal Democrat-run council, said: "The council works hard to enforce planning conditions and unauthorised development within the district and the consequences of failing to adhere to the regulations are highlighted by the recent prosecution cases."