Planning enforcement
New buildings, extensions or changes in the use of land or
buildings generally require planning permission.
Sometimes work is started without permission, or
conditions are ignored. We investigate these cases and take
action where clear harm is being caused.
You can search for planning applications or browse the
register of all past and current applications including text and
maps. You can also see what stage an application has
reached.
How to make a complaint
If you are concerned about a planning matter, complete and
return our complaints investigation form.
Planning Enforcement Complaint Form (45kb
pdf)
Complaints will be fully investigated and action taken when
possible.
We keep all complainant details confidential,
but if court proceedings follow we may ask you to be a witness.
Detailed information on how we enforce our planning
responsibilities is in our Code of Practice for Town
Planning Enforcement. This document explains
what you can expect if you make a complaint, or are complained
about.
Code of Practice for
Town Planning Enforcement Service (137kb pdf)
Monitoring of new development and condition
compliance
We monitor new developments for planning consent, and for
compliance with relevant conditions.
High hedges
The government introduced legislation in 2005 to help control
the nuisance that overgrown hedges can cause.