Following a decision by Tandridge District Council's ('TDC's') Planning Committee in September 2012, a legal notice was served on the owners of the former Rose and Young site in Croydon Road, Caterham, requiring significant improvements to the appearance of the building, or for the building to be demolished.

The period for compliance with the notice has passed and TDC's Planning Committee considered at its meeting in March whether it should pursue prosecution of the owners for failure to comply with the requirements of the notice.

TDC does have powers to carry out the required works itself, but has decided, before spending significant public money on a matter that is the responsibility of the land owner, to prosecute. TDC says that its officers are continuing to press the owner to take action to resolve the appearance of the building and to bring forward plans for redevelopment of the site.

TDC Chief Planning Officer, Piers Mason, said: "Bringing this prosecution will send a clear message to the owner the Council will not hesitate to bring criminal proceedings where reasonable requests have been made to improve the appearance of this unsightly building in the centre of Caterham."

The privately owned site has remained unoccupied for many years and TDC, residents and businesses are unhappy with the run down appearance of the land and building. TDC has previously issued a policy statement about the potential for pursuing compulsory purchase and says that redevelopment of the site remains one of its key objectives.