Raise a concern

Once you get in touch with us, we’ll look into the case to see whether a breach of planning control has occurred.

We’ll speak with the relevant people to understand what’s happened so we can decide on the most appropriate way forward.

If we find that there’s not enough evidence of a breach – or that no breach has taken place – we’ll let you know and close the case.

If a breach has occurred, we’ll usually try to resolve it in the simplest and most proportionate way. This might include giving the person responsible the chance to submit a planning application to regularise the development.

If they don’t take the necessary steps to put things right, we’ll collect the evidence we need to decide whether formal action is justified.

In the end, we’ll make a decision on any formal enforcement action based on the facts of the case, as well as national guidance and our local policies.

If formal action is needed, we start by preparing the necessary notices and serving them on everyone who has an interest in the property or land.

Each notice explains what needs to be done and sets a reasonable timescale for completing those steps.

For unauthorised work to listed buildings or protected trees, we can begin prosecution without first issuing an Enforcement Notice, as these types of works are unlawful and may be treated as criminal offences.

Once someone receives a notice, they can either:

• Comply with it, in which case the matter is resolved, or

• Challenge it, either by appealing to the Secretary of State or by taking the matter to court.

Appeals can take time to be heard, especially if a Public Inquiry is required, which may delay the process.

If an appeal is unsuccessful, the notice will take effect. If the appeal succeeds or planning permission is granted, the case will normally come to an end.

If the notice is upheld (or no appeal is made) but the requirements are still not met, we may then consider prosecution through the courts.

Throughout this process, we will keep complainants updated at key points – for example, if an appeal is lodged or when a hearing is scheduled.

Below is a simple overview of the different ways we can deal with planning enforcement issues. You can download full details of our enforcement powers here.

Planning Contravention Notice (PCN)

A PCN allows us to request detailed information about a suspected planning breach. The person receiving it has 21 days to respond.
Not responding can lead to a fine of up to £1,000.

Enforcement Notice

This is our main tool for tackling unauthorised development. An Enforcement Notice sets out what needs to be done to put things right and gives a reasonable deadline.
Ignoring an Enforcement Notice is a criminal offence and the Magistrates Court can issue an unlimited fine.

Listed Building Enforcement Notice

Similar to an Enforcement Notice, but specifically for listed buildings. It can require the building to be restored to the condition it was in before the unauthorised work took place.

Breach of Condition Notice

If planning permission or listed building consent has conditions that haven’t been followed, we can issue a Breach of Condition Notice.
The notice will explain what actions must be taken — or stopped — to comply with the conditions.

Injunctions

In rare and serious cases, where a breach is causing significant or ongoing harm, we may apply to the court for an injunction. This legally requires the person responsible to stop immediately.

Temporary Stop Notice

If unauthorised work is causing (or could cause) serious and immediate harm, we can issue a Temporary Stop Notice requiring the activity to halt straight away.

Stop Notice

A Stop Notice can be issued alongside an Enforcement Notice when urgent action is needed to prevent harmful activities from continuing.
We do not need to use Stop Notices for listed buildings, as unauthorised works to them are already a criminal offence.

Untidy Site Notices (Section 215 Notice)

If a property or land is in such poor condition that it affects the appearance of the area, we can require the owner or occupier to tidy it up.

Advertisements

Some advertisements need permission before being displayed. If an advert is put up illegally, we can prosecute those responsible or issue a notice requiring it to be removed.

Enforcement can sometimes take a while, and we understand how frustrating this can be, especially if the issue is causing concern in your community.

There are several reasons why the process may take time, such as:

• Collecting clear and reliable evidence
• Continuing to work with the person responsible to try to resolve the issue without formal action
• Considering any planning applications submitted to regularise the development
• Waiting for an appeal decision if formal notices have been challenged

Please be assured that we do everything we can to move cases forward as quickly and fairly as possible.

We take all reports of possible breaches of planning or listed building control seriously and aim to deal with them as efficiently and fairly as possible.

• When you contact us, we log your complaint and — where appropriate — acknowledge it within three working days. This acknowledgement will include the name and phone number of the officer looking into the case.
• Cases involving unauthorised work to listed buildings or protected trees are treated as a top priority and may lead to immediate action.
• All complaints are handled confidentially. We won’t share your details unless you give us permission.
• Anonymous complaints are accepted, but they may be given lower priority because we’re unable to request further information if needed.
• We aim to update complainants about the outcome of our investigation and any steps we plan to take.
• We work closely with partner organisations when a case may involve other regulatory bodies, ensuring a coordinated approach.
• If your concern relates to another organisation’s responsibilities, we’ll make sure it’s passed to the right team.
• We also liaise with the local authority building control team to help monitor new developments and check that planning conditions are being followed.