Enforcement of planning control
Contacting the Council and the enforcement actions the Council can take.
Effective planning legislation provides us with discretionary powers to secure:
- the removal of any unauthorised building or structure
- the cessation of any unauthorised use
- compliance with conditions imposed on any planning permission
If you wish to make a complaint please use our Enforcement Form.
Please remember to supply us with the details of the address and perceived breach of Planning Permission.
If you supply your name and address, we will be able to advise you of any developments. However, whilst an anonymous complaint will be accepted and followed up, this will mean we will be unable to provide you with any progress updates.
Enforcement Case Search
You can also search online for Enforcement Cases and Notices, by using the link to the Enforcement Register. There is online access to the enforcement notices for the past five years.
Small Plots of Land for Sale
From time to time land is offered for sale in small plots. Sometimes the vendor gives the impression that such plots may be developed in some way, such as for housing or leisure purposes. Unfortunately such development is rarely likely to be acceptable, as the application of Green Belt and other landscape protection policies restrict new building or uses, except in very special circumstances. You are strongly advised, especially before handing over any money, that you check with the Council what the constraints are and whether you would be likely to be allowed to develop the land in the way you wish.
How do I appeal against an Enforcement Notice?
When enforcement action is taken, we serve a Notice on the owners and occupiers and others with an interest in the land. If the requirements of the Notice are not complied with, they are liable to a fine or a daily penalty. There is a right of appeal against an Enforcement Notice but not a Breach of Condition Notice. In the event of an appeal, an Enforcement Notice would not come into effect until the appeal is finally determined. Where unauthorised development has taken place, an owner or occupier may be at a disadvantage when he or she comes to sell the property.
The Planning Casework Service is the Planning Inspectorate's new online service for making and tracking appeals. It can now be used to make Enforcement Appeals including Listed Building/Conservation Area Enforcement Notice appeals.
Contact Details
- Contact name
- Planning & Building Control
- Telephone
- 020 8726 6800
- Minicom
- 020 8760 5797
