Effective enforcement of planning controls is key to protecting the public interest from harmful development and in maintaining confidence in the planning system, by tackling those who ignore planning controls.

We rely to a large extent on members of the public and town and parish councils to bring suspected breaches of planning control to our attention.
Most breaches of planning control are not criminal offences.  Nevertheless, we have a range of enforcement powers to remedy their effects. 

Breaches can become immune through the passage of time: 10 years for most uses and conditions and 4 years for building and engineering works.  There is no period of immunity for breaches of listed building control.

What is a Planning breach?

It is a breach to carry out without any necessary consent

• building works & changes of use
• works to protected trees
• works to listed buildings
• demolition in a conservation area
• external advertisements
• works to countryside hedgerows

The following are also breaches

• not complying with conditions attached to a consent
• departures from approved details
• untidy land or buildings

You can see for yourself if consent has been granted and view the approved planning application details and any conditions by following the link below.

What is not a Planning breach

• disputes about land ownership
• the position of property boundaries
• disputes over private rights of way
• breaches of restrictive covenants on property deeds

These are private matters between the parties involved.  If they cannot be resolved through agreement you should seek  independent advice  from the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) or a solicitor.

Date Updated: 20/03/08