Planning enforcement

What is a breach of Planning Control?

2.1 There are two main ways in which a breach of planning control can occur:

Building works or engineering operations or changes in the use of land or buildings that are carried out without the necessary planning permission.

However, not all building/engineering work or changes of use require planning permission. Many are either considered not to be development at all or are defined as 'permitted development', meaning that an application for planning permission is not necessary. For example, the erection of a small house extension or a garden shed within specified limits may not need planning permission (being classed as 'permitted development'). Help in understanding 'permitted development' can be found in a booklet published by the Government entitled 'Planning – A Guide for Householders' that is available from the Authority's Development Control service.

Where planning permission has been granted but the approved plans and/or the conditions attached to the approval have not been followed properly.

For example, a building may be larger than shown on the approved plans or a condition that specifies the working hours of a business may have been breached. To assist in identifying such breaches the Authority liaises with the local authority building control departments. Where a breach is suspected, a site visit will be carried out to ensure the development is in accordance with the approved plans.

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