Enforcement

If your neighbour is carrying out building work without planning permission you can contact us as we have a duty to investigate complaints.

Unauthorised development could involve the erection of buildings, changing the use of a building or the failure to comply with conditions attached to a planning permission.

Treatment Of Complaints

We will only investigate complaints that are relevant to breaches of planning control. Where non-planning complaints are received we will advise you of the appropriate course of action to take.

Complaints about alleged unauthorised building

Complaints about unauthorised building works will be accepted verbally or in writing. If you do not wish to be identified the complaint will still be investigated.

Complaints about alleged unauthorised use of land or buildings

Complaints about uses of land or buildings will only be accepted where you are willing to be identified. Such complaints should preferably be in writing. If you are unwilling to be identified you will be advised to refer to the relevant Ward Member and we will provide you with their names.

When dealing with complaints we will need as much information as possible to carry out our investigation quickly, such as:

The names of the relevant owners / occupiers
Relevant dates, such as when the alleged unauthorised works started
How the problems are affecting you
A log of activities carried out at the site

Confidentiality

In all cases we will treat the complaint in confidence as far as possible. If the complaint proceeds to appeal or to court, we will be obliged to reveal your name and the nature of the complaint. Otherwise, unless expressly authorised, your name will not be revealed. Where a complaint is referred to a council member, then the member’s involvement will be acknowledged.