Breaches of planning control
Planning enforcement helps ensure that development takes place in accordance with planning law and any planning permissions granted by the Council.
We investigate alleged breaches of planning control, including development carried out without the necessary planning permission, unauthorised changes of use, and failures to comply with approved plans or planning conditions.
Many cases are resolved through discussion and negotiation. Where this is not possible, the Council has statutory powers that may be used where it is expedient to do so.
We can investigate:
- Building or engineering works
- Changes in the use of land or building
- Failure to comply with the approved plans
- Failure to comply with planning conditions
- Advertisements
- Works to protected trees
- Works to a listed buildings
Not all development requires planning permission. Certain forms of development benefit from planning permission granted nationally through permitted development rights.
We cannot investigate:
- Boundary or ownership disputes
- Party Wall Act issues
- Restrictive covenents
- Problems occuring on a public highway
- Building safety
- Health and safety
- Wildlife crime
Local Enforcement Plan
Our Local Enforcement Plan explains:
- How alleged breaches are assessed and prioritised
- The investigation process
- The range of enforcement powers available to the Council
- What residents, developers and landowners can expect during an investigation