Planning enforcement

At all stages in the enforcement process, the knowledge and information held by members of the general public and residents' groups can supplement the council's official records and site inspections. 

When reporting a potential breach of planning control, it's helpful to provide as much information as possible about the current and previous situation, for example:

• the exact address
• when activities started
• the nature of the building works
• the use of the building
• the name or addresses of known owners or other persons responsible.

Report a potential planning breach

Please note: Planning enforcement action cannot be taken if the works or change of use do not require permission/consent, or it's permitted by planning legislation. For this reason, formal enforcement action cannot be taken on many of the reports of unauthorised development the council receives.