Planning enforcement

The main purpose of planning enforcement is to investigate alleged contraventions of planning control and negotiate or pursue formal enforcement action.

Existing enforcement cases

For information about an existing case, please contact the officer named on the correspondence you have been sent.

Examples of alleged breaches of planning control

  • Building an extension or making alterations to a building without planning permission if it is needed
  • Unauthorised works to listed buildings or protected trees
  • Breach of conditions attached to a planning permission
  • Unauthorised display of advertisements
  • Unauthorised change of use of building or land
  • Untidy land

Some works can be carried out without needing permission and wouldn't be classed a breach. The Interactive Planning Portal will help you identify what these are.

Matters we do not investigate

  • Deeds and covenants
  • Loss of property value or loss of view
  • Boundary/land ownership and private rights of access disputes
  • Internal alterations to houses (unless it is a listed building)
  • Right to light issues
  • Parking on the highway
  • Health and safety issues
  • Clearing of vegetation from land
  • Matters relating solely to the emission of noise and smells
  • Damage to property (unless a listed building)
  • Concerns relating to parking enforcement

Statutory register

The statutory registers for enforcement, stop and breach of condition notices can be viewed by appointment. To arrange an appointment please contact our Planning Enforcement Team.