WEST Devon is to get its very own enforcer, charged with dealing with unauthorised building works.

The borough council decided to employ an enforcement officer to deal with alleged planning breaches in the wake of a rising tide of complaints from the public.

Jane Green, planning services manager, said: 'We are anxious to address this growing problem of planning control breaches.

'We are sure it will go a long way towards discouraging such practices, and enable us to respond more quickly to complaints.'

Cllr Roger Mathew, chairman of the borough's planning committee, said: 'This is intended to improve the service planners can offer and help make the planning system fairer for everyone.'

The enforcement officer is expected to be in post by April.

The planning committee heard three enforcement reports at this week's meeting in Tavistock.

Action was recommended to remove a stable block, portable cabin, covered mounting area and access track at Buckland Monachorum.

Legal proceedings were advised against a home owner at Milton Combe who failed to comply with an enforcement order concerning iron gates on the property.

And enforcement action was recommended to secure the removal of a stable shed and buildings built without planning permission at Lumburn near Tavistock.