Planning Enforcement Policy 2024

We will undertake initial investigations as quickly as possible. However, the council aim to undertake some investigations more quickly as set out below.

Priority 1

Immediate threat to public safety, substantial damage to or loss of statutorily protected buildings, trees or areas.

Priority 2

Adverse impact on protected areas and residential amenity. Breaches of conditions and legal agreements resulting in serious harm to neighbours, affected parties and/or the environment. Unlawful adverts in protected areas. Unauthorised development where it is possible that the time for taking enforcement action could expire within the next six months.

Priority 3

The breach is of a minor nature which does not cause immediate/long-term harm or loss of amenity.

Vexatious complaints

If the complainant appears to be motivated by issues other than planning harm, the council may consider that it would not be in the public interest to investigate. This may include where complaints are made purely on trade competition grounds or motivated by neighbour disputes.