Planning Enforcement

What Is Planning Enforcement?

Planning enforcement deals with breaches of planning controls, including where building work requiring planning permission is undertaken without such permission, where conditions attached to a planning condition are not complied with, or where the use of a building or site is changed without planning permission. For further information on how we deal with enforcement complaints and our service standards, please see our Planning Enforcement Charter (PDF, 292KB).

Does every development need planning permission?

Not every new building or change of use needs planning permission from the council. Central Government lists a number of classes of development which, subject to certain conditions, can be carried out as 'permitted development' for single dwelling houses and some kind of commercial and industrial uses. Do not hesitate to contact the council if you have any concerns because it is important for every alleged breach to be investigated and dealt with appropriately.

What are the main duties of planning enforcement officers?

Their core duties are:

investigating allegations and enquiries
writing to complaints and offenders
negotiating remedial action
liaising with other council departments to ensure consistency of approach
making recommendations as to the expediency of taking enforcement action
checking compliance with enforcement notices and prosecuting for non-compliance
appearing as a council witness in the Magistrate Court.

Online Services

Online Services	Comment
*Planning Investigation Questionnaire	Submit Planning Enforcement Complaints

* Link opens in a new window.

Permitted Development

Please visit the Planning Portal (external link) for an illustrated guide and information on Permitted Development.

Can I make a complaint without giving my name or details?

It is a council policy not to accept anonymous complaints. The council will protect the identity of complainants as much as possible. Alternatively, you can approach your ward Councillor to register a complaint on your behalf.

Anonymous complaints where the alleged breach appears serious may be investigated on behalf of the Team Leader.

Make a planning enforcement complaint

Enforcement Register

The Enforcement Register contains hard copies of Planning Enforcement Notices issued since 1982. The contact details are contained below. Members of the public can inspect these records at council offices free of charge. At present the council does not have an electronic copy of the enforcement register.

If members of the public wish to obtain a copy of an Enforcement Notice these are available for a charge of £20.