How we enforce the Planning Regulations
Summary
If our planning system is to work fairly for all, we must have a systyem that allows us, where necessary, to take action against those who break the planning rules.
The information below tells you how we deal with any development that breaks planning rules, and what we'll do if you report any development to us that you think breaks these rules - which you can do online by following the link below.
Further information
Most complaints about work that has not been given permission (called unauthorised work) fall into the following categories:
- Operational development (building);
- Change of use;
- Advertisements, and;
- Untidy Land.
Most complaints are resolved through negotiation and without formal action. Such formal action - what we call enforcement - can be complicated. For information on the powers given to local planning authorities to enforce planning control see external links section below.
Enforcement Notices
Where formal action has been taken the developer who has carried out the unlawful work will be given an Enforcement Notice. The Notice explains what they have to do to make the work lawful and when they have to do it by.
What if my neighbour has built something without permission?
Not everything needs permission. But, doing something without permission runs the risk of enforcement action, which might mean removing the development and reinstating the building or the land to the way it was before. It might mean prosecution too. And as many people know, alterations to a building without permission could lead to difficulties selling that property in future.
What happens if I tell the council about something being built?
We will investigate, and keep you informed of any action we take. You should know that it is unlikely we would act on anonymous complaints, depending on the circumstances. We ask that you write to us, so that we have your details and can contact you again. You can use our online form to do this:
Report a suspected breach of Planning Control
All the details you send us will be kept confidential.
External links
Department for Communities & Local Government (DCLG)
This website gives information on the powers local planning authorities have to enforce planning control - Planning Policy Guidance 18: Enforcing Planning Control.
Contact us
| contact officer/team: | Planning Administration |
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| web: | online enquiry form |
| email: | planning@s-norfolk.gov.uk |
| freephone: | 0808 168 3000 |
| telephone: | 01508 533845 |
| minicom/textphone: | 01508 533622 |
| address: | South Norfolk Council South Norfolk House Swan Lane Long Stratton Norwich NR15 2XE |
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If you need information in large print, audio cassette, braille, translation (written or verbal) or signed interpretation, let us know when you contact us.
