Planning enforcement is discretionary and we are not bound to act in all cases. Our decision will depend on:
- acting reasonably and proportionately to the level of harm caused
- whether it is in the public interest to act immediately
- whether planning permission is likely to have been granted, if an application been made
It is rare that we would make an immediate intervention. In most cases we review all circumstances before agreeing the type of formal action to take
Our planning enforcement plan provides details on how we deliver and consider potential breaches of planning control.
A breach of planning control is not a criminal offence (other than in a few limited circumstances), so immediate legal action is not usually an option. We can investigate:
- unauthorised development (construction without planning permission)
- unauthorised change of use of a building or land
- planning permission conditions not being met
- land or buildings that have being an unacceptable eyesore
- adverts displayed without consent
- damage or destruction of a listed building or a tree with a Tree Preservation Order
- a tree in a conservation area being felled or pruned without permission
Unfortunately we won't be able to investigate:
- ownership (party walls, boundary disputes and land ownership)
- disruption (smell, noise, anti-social behaviour and overgrown trees)
- site operations (health and safety and quality of work)
- highway matters (vehicle obstruction and parking)
- drainage concerns (sewers and soakaways)
How to report a planning breach
To report a planning breach:
- first check the Planning Portal to confirm that a breach has been made and search our register to check if planning permission has been granted. once you've confirmed this
- complete an online form to report the planning breach
Please note that we don't usually accept anonymous reports or any report that is considered to be malicious.
You can also find more information regarding enforcement and appeals.
Register of Enforcement and Stop Notices
The Register of Enforcement and Stop Notices contains:
- details of notices issued by us since 1 April 2019
- the address of the property to which the notice relates
- a description of the breach of planning control
- the date the notice was issued
- details of the type of notice issued (such as a breach of condition notice or an enforcement notice)
- if the notice was appealed
- the date the notice was complied with.
All notices issued before 1 April 2019 are currently being prepared to to be available digitally. If you would like to see the details of these notices then you can use the online form below.
Contact us
Please use our online contact us form and select "planning" to get in touch with us.