How we enforce the planning regulations

Summary

If our planning system is to work fairly for all, we must have a system that allows us, where necessary, to take action against those who break the planning rules. The information below tells you how we deal with any development that breaks planning rules and what we’ll do if you report any development to us that you think breaks these rules.

Further information

Most complaints about work that has not been given permission (called unauthorised work) fall into the following categories:

Operational development (building);
Change of use;
Advertisements; and
Untidy land.

Most complaints are resolved through negotiation and without formal action. Such formal action – what we call enforcement – can be complicated. For information on Enforcement Notices served please click on the link on the left hand side of this page.

What is Unauthorised Development?

Development that requires planning permission, but has taken place without planning permission. Development may consist of a change of use of land or buildings or the construction of a building, or any other operational development. Not all development requires planning permission, it may fall within the limits of PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT. In many cases unauthorised development is accidental or comes about through an understandable lack of knowledge of the planning laws.

What if my neighbour has built something without permission?

Not everything needs permission but doing something without permission runs the risk of enforcement action which might mean removing the development and reinstating the building or the land to the way it was before. It might mean prosecution too. As many people know, alterations to a building without permission could lead to difficulties selling that property in future.

What happens if I tell the Council about something being built?

We will investigate and keep you informed of any action we take. You should know that it is unlikely we would act on anonymous complaints, depending on the circumstances. We ask that you write to us so that we have your details and can contact you again. All details received are confidential.

If you wish to tell us about an alleged breach in planning control please see our page on how to make a complaint.