Report a breach of planning control

Planning enforcement is the process of ensuring development is carried out in accordance with planning permission and that unauthorised development is brought under control.

If someone carries out development, including a change of use of premises or land without planning permission, or where development is not in accordance with approved plans or the planning conditions of granted permissions, then this is considered to be a breach of planning control.

Report a planning breach

All reports of planning breaches will be treated in the strictest confidence.  Anonymous complaints will not be dealt with as a priority and may not be dealt with where this is not in the wider public interest.

When reporting a breach of planning control the following information should be provided as fully as possible:

  • Your name, address, email and telephone number
  • Location and precise address (if possible) where the alleged breach is occurring
  • Landowner or occupier's name if known
  • Nature of the alleged breach of planning control
  • How the breach of control is affecting yourself or neighbours and residents in the locality
  • Approximate period of time or first date from which the alleged breach occurred or became known to yourself

The information may help to determine the priority of the complaint and the expediency of taking formal enforcement action. 

Failure to supply critical information may hinder or prevent an effective investigation of the alleged breach.