We have discretionary powers that can be applied when there is a breach in planning control that causes harm to the amenity of the area and that cannot be resolved by negotiation.
Before reporting
Before you make a report:
- check if planning permission has been granted for the work by using the planning application search
- check if the work permitted without planning permission - find out more on the Planning Portal: Permission
What we can't investigate
We cannot investigate:
- ownership – party walls, boundary disputes, land ownership, deeds and covenants
- disruption – noise, smell, anti-social behaviour, overgrown trees and bushes, vehicles
- site operations – health and safety, hours of work, security, graffiti, dangerous structures, poor quality of work
- highway matters – parking, obstruction, objects on footpaths
- drainage – sewers, soakaways
Our commitment
We will:
- treat your report as confidential
- acknowledge your report within 7 working days
Our role in planning compliance
Planning compliance is discretionary and the council is not bound to act in any particular case. Much will depend on acting reasonably, proportionately (in relation to the level of harm caused), whether it is expedient and in the public interest to act immediately and whether planning permission is likely to have been granted had an application been made.
It is rare to make an immediate intervention and in most cases the council will review all circumstances before agreeing the type of formal action it is expedient to take.
Planning compliance action
We have an up to date register where formal action has been taken, including details of the planning breach and the type of action taken. The register has information on notices from 1982. Please contact us for details of Notices prior to 1982 or to arrange to view the full register in hard copy.
More information
For more information see:
Enforcement and post-permission matters: GOV.UK
Appeal an enforcement notice: GOV.UK