Planning enforcement

Report a breach of planning control

To investigate a reported breach, we need sufficient information about the alleged activity. Reports which do not contain enough detail may not be registered or investigated.

Information required

Please provide:

  • a clear description of the activity or development
  • a precise location (postal address, What3Words reference or Google Maps location).
  • how long you believe the activity has been taking place
  • the names of any individuals or businesses involved (if known)
  • the planning harm that is being caused, or likely to be caused

Report a breach of planning control

Before submitting a report, please check whether planning permission has already been granted by searching the Council's planning register. Not all development requires planning permission and some works may be permitted under national permitted development rights.​‌

Observation logs

If your complaint relates to a variable activity, such as a business operating from a residential property, please complete a 7-day observation log before submitting your report.​‌ 

This helps us understand the frequency, scale and pattern of the activity.​‌

Confidentiality

We do not normally investigate anonymous reports.

We will keep your identity confidential and will let you know the outcome of our investigation. In the small number of cases that proceed to formal legal action, you may be asked to provide written or oral evidence.

Alternate ways to report a planning breach

We encourage residents to use the online reporting form wherever possible. Reports can also be submitted by: