Our planning enforcement team are looking for your views on proposals for an Enforcement Plan which is to replace the current Planning Enforcement Policy that has been in place since 2010 (reviewed in 2014) and is welcoming comments.

The plan seeks to provide guidance on the principles and procedures involved in planning enforcement.

The plan relates to the regulatory functions of the Council’s planning enforcement team and sets out the way in which the Council intends to secure effective compliance with legislation while taking into account the views and needs of the developer, individuals, organisations and business

The draft Policy can be seen here.

The Council would like your feedback on the proposed changes. Please provide your views by answering the following questions:

Question Title

* 1. Please start by telling the us who you are:

Question Title

* 2. The Plan aims to ensure:
  • Development either retains or enhances the character and amenity of the Borough and does not cause any serious detriment.
  • Development sites are monitored and controlled during and following the development process and planning conditions are complied with.
  • All breaches of planning control reported to the Council are deal with in a fair and consistent manner
Do you agree with the overall aims of the Plan?

Question Title

* 3. The Plan explains the procedures and the response to an enquiry and how it will be dealt with, having regard to the particular circumstances of the case. This will include the harm the unauthorised development has on the neighbours and the character of the surrounding area.

The Plan will clearly differentiate what is legally required and what is recommended as good practice.

Do you agree with the action may be an appropriate way to resolve some issues?

Question Title

* 4. Under Planning legislation Enforcement is a Statutory function but formal action is at the discretion of the Council as to whether to take formal action; Enforcement will not be involved in boundary disputes and Party Wall disputes we will however look to respond immediately on issues such as:
  • Where the development is causing immediate harm to warrant formal action
  • Where the development being undertaken would be irreparable
  • Where there is a lack of confidence, due to a history of failure to respond to voluntary requests to comply or negotiation, or failure to manage a development in line with legal requirements
An example of development requiring an immediate response would be the demolition or damage to a Listed Building, or works to a protected tree.

Do you agree with the priorities as set out for investigations is appropriate?

Question Title

* 5. Have you ever been subject to a Planning Enforcement investigation or complained to the Council about a Planning Enforcement matter and if so were you dealt with in a fair and consistent manner?

Question Title

* 6. Would you feel confident having read the Plan that your complaint would be dealt with confidentially and appropriately?

Question Title

* 7. If you have any comments or concerns you would like us to take into account please do so below

T