David Smith was fined 10,000 euros by the French civil service after his 2 year old son, Daniel constructed a sandcastle on the beach in Frejus, without applying for planning permission prior to the castle being built.
On 11th July 2013, when the castle was built, 2 year old Daniel was approached by French police who asked to see his application and planning permits for the castle. When they could not be produced the police proceeded to destroy the castle and fine the father, David, 10,000 euros for illegal placement of an unplanned structure.
It is reported that the illegal structure had been constructed using a bucket and spade which were confiscated by police.
David Smith said "I was laying on the beach with my wife while our son was building a sandcastle, about two minutes after he completed it the police came over and asked to see proof that we had permission to construct the castle in that location.
David Smith said "I was laying on the beach with my wife while our son was building a sandcastle, about two minutes after he completed it the police came over and asked to see proof that we had permission to construct the castle in that location.
"We had no idea that we needed planning permission for such a thing and when we failed to produce the required documents the police started destroying the sandcastle using their batons. I was very angry because it upset my son who burst into tears immediately.
"I was angered even further when they fined me €10,000 and confiscated the bucket and spade, which cost me €3.50."
Anybody who wishes to construct a sandcastle on any French beach must apply for planning permission. Application documents can be downloaded from www.service-public.fr. For sandcastles the developer must apply for the "Category H - Temporary Beach Structure" permit and submit it to the Department Management. Application fees of €500 must also be paid.
The Department Management of the Land and Sea in the Var remarked that sandcastles across the department that have not been given the all clear will continue to be located and destroyed with more fines being handed out to the developer or parent/guardian of the developer.
Anybody who wishes to construct a sandcastle on any French beach must apply for planning permission. Application documents can be downloaded from www.service-public.fr. For sandcastles the developer must apply for the "Category H - Temporary Beach Structure" permit and submit it to the Department Management. Application fees of €500 must also be paid.
The Department Management of the Land and Sea in the Var remarked that sandcastles across the department that have not been given the all clear will continue to be located and destroyed with more fines being handed out to the developer or parent/guardian of the developer.
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