Commentary on Sections Part 3 — Buildings of special architectural or historic interest Chapter 6 — General Section 153 — Exercise of power to enter land without warrant
573.This section makes provision about the exercise of the power to enter land under section 152 without a warrant. Subsection (1) provides that the power may be exercised at any reasonable time.
574.Subsection (2) provides that a person may not enter land that is occupied in exercise of the power under section 152 unless at least 24 hours’ notice has been given to every occupier of the land. Subsection (3) makes an exception where the power to enter land is for the purpose of determining whether to issue a temporary stop notice, to display a temporary stop notice or to determine whether a temporary stop notice is being complied with (under section 152(4)). A temporary stop notice is only issued when a planning authority considers that unauthorised works to a listed building should be stopped immediately and the removal of the requirement for 24 hours’ notice ensures that all aspects of a temporary stop notice can be handled with a minimum of delay to limit any harm to the character and significance of the building.
575.Subsection (6) provides that if the land in relation to which the power of entry is proposed to be exercised belongs to a statutory undertaker (as defined in section 210) and the statutory undertaker objects to proposed works as they will hamper its ability to carry out its undertakings, the authorised person would need the permission of the appropriate Minister prior to carrying out any works. “Appropriate Minister” is defined in section 265 of the 1990 Planning Act and may be either the Welsh Ministers or a particular Secretary of State depending on the undertaker.
576.Subsection (7) provides that an authorised person may not enter Crown land in exercise of the power of entry under this section without the permission of the appropriate Crown authority, or a person who is entitled to give permission. “Crown land” is defined in section 207(2) and the “appropriate Crown authority” in section 207(6).