Planning Enforcement

If a development takes place without planning permission it could be in breach of planning control.

For example:

carrying out unauthorised building works to a property
changing the use of a property without planning permission
carrying out works to a listed building without listed building consent
displaying advertisement signs without advertisement consent
felling or pruning trees that are the subject of a tree preservation order without consent
felling or pruning trees within a conservation area without consent

Works carried out on a development must conform to the agreed plans or conditions.

A development with permission can still breach planning control.

Taking action

When breaches occur we will consider if action is justified.

We will take action if necessary.

We may sometimes decide to take no action, for example when:

The type of action taken will vary. It will depend on the seriousness of the effects of the breach.

We have a wide range of powers available under the Town and Country Planning Act.

We treat each case on its merits and a solution will be sought by negotiation.

Failure to comply can lead to prosecution and a fine.

Report planning breaches to our Enforcement officers.

When reporting a breach please supply your contact details.

We may need to contact you to clarify something or to supply further information.

We will keep you informed of developments and let you know the outcome of the investigation.

Your identity is confidential.

Please also supply the following information wherever possible:

If appropriate please include any relevant dates and times of incidents.

You may supply evidence such as photographs.

We investigate all reports.

The identities of persons making allegations are never revealed to the parties under investigation.