Things to check before reporting a breach
Before making a planning enforcement complaint, please check the following.
Does the development work need permission?
Many forms of development are permitted under government legislation and do not require planning permission. The planning portal provides more information on permitted developments. Where works fall under permitted development, this is not an enforcement case and we will not take action. For house extensions, our planning portal interactive guidance for householders provides easy to understand guidance on works that can be undertaken to a house as permitted development.
Has it got permission?
You can check this by using our planning applications search facility. This allows you to check the progress of applications and appeals, comment on current applications that are in the consultation period, view planning applications, and view officer reports and decision notices. Where works are in line with the approved planning permission, we will not take enforcement action.
Previous enforcement notices and actions
You can check this by using our planning enforcement search facility. Please note, if the complaint has previously been dealt with, we will not take action. If your complaint is in relation to something different, please report a possible breach of planning.
Is there a tree preservation order in place, or is the tree in a conservation area?
If your complaint relates to unauthorised works to a tree, please check whether there is a tree preservation order in place or whether it is in a conservation area using mymaps. Select the ‘my maps’ tab, then select 'planning' from the map categories on the left-hand side of the screen. Where a tree does not meet this criteria, we will be unable to take enforcement action.
If you still consider the matter you are raising to be a breach of planning control, you can make a complaint. When submitting your complaint, please provide as much detail as you can about the problem. State when the problem started, an address for where the activity or development is taking place, and what harm is being caused. Please upload photographs and documents to support your complaint.