2014 Enforcement Notices

Coronavirus: Planning Enforcement

Officers have considered our approach to planning enforcement. We will continue to acknowledge and investigate all formal complaints that are received in writing/e-mail (not anonymous). We would however request full details of the alleged breach of planning control with evidence using photographs of the building or details of the use eg. times/frequency a use is occurring,  further formal enforcement action is discretionary to the LPA.  Our current policy is to investigate all reported matters following a desktop triage process but it is recognised that we could change our policy to reduce what we investigate.  

It is acknowledged that there will be ongoing enforcement matters which we might need to tolerate for a temporary period because of the current situation - we should not force people to move or travel.  A pragmatic approach will be required.

A Written Ministerial Statement was published on Friday 13 March which urges local planning authorities to apply pragmatism to the enforcement of restrictions on food and other essential deliveries at this time. Local planning authorities should also use their discretion on the enforcement of other planning conditions which hinder the effective response to COVID-19.  

Furthermore, the government has relaxed planning regulations allowing cafes and restaurants to offer take-away facilities.

It is considered that we could reduce the complaints that are formally registered for a temporary period whilst we are dealing with the pandemic by not registering certain breaches for example:

• Breaches of planning conditions relating to delivery times to essential businesses
• Changes of use of cafes/restaurants to take-aways
• Householder development (unless the person reporting demonstrates significant harm)
• Breaches of construction traffic management plans (unless the person reporting demonstrates significant harm)
• Adverts

 In other cases, please consider that there may be a delay in dealing with the matter.