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Planning Enforcement

Planning Enforcement Charter

At the 12 December 2011 Planning and Highways Regulatory Committee, the City Council formally resolved to adopt a new Planning Enforcement Charter.

This Charter provides information regarding the role of enforcement within the planning system, alongside general advice regarding unauthorised development, the issue of expediency and the penalties for failing to comply with any formal notices issued by the Council. It also contains an 'Order of Priority', which explains the type of complaints that will be prioritised by the Development Management Service.

The procedure for making a complaint about a possible breach of planning control is contained within the Charter. Complainants will be asked to provide specific details regarding the location, nature and reason for making their complaint, and so it is advisable for complainants to consult the Charter before contacting the Development Management Service's Planning Enforcement Team.

Similarly the Charter contains information for those that have been the subject of a complaint, or may have breached planning control.

It is important to note that Officers of the Development Management Service will remain impartial at all times and will act in the wider public interest within the legislative boundaries of planning control.

Download the Planning Enforcement Charter

Making a complaint

Before making a complaint, you are advised to discuss your concerns with the owner of the property. Many of the complaints we receive do not concern issues that are covered under the planning laws. You should also note that some works do not require planning consent. If you are unsure if Planning permission has been granted for a development, you are advised to check Public Access.

When making a complaint, you should include:

Your name and address

The nature of your complaint - for example change of use of land or buildings, erection of buildings or extensions, works to trees or hedgerows, untidy land etc.

The reason for your complaint - Describe the impact or harm that the alleged breach of planning control is having, for example increased noise, increased traffic, looks unsightly etc.

The above information is essential for us to investigate your complaint. Due to the large number of complaints we get, a priority system is used and complaints with the greatest impact will normally be investigated first. Complainants personal details will be kept confidential - we understand that complainants may wish to remain anonymous, but in order for us to assess the impact of the alleged breach this information is important.