Report a Planning Problem

Planning permission is usually needed to:-

• Erect a new building or significantly extend an existing building
• Change the use of a building or piece of land
• Alter the way a building looks  
• Carry out tipping
• Sub-divide a property

Small extensions and other minor works including smaller detached garages and outbuildings can often be carried out without planning permission, this is called "permitted development".

If you are concerned planning permission has not been given, you can ask the Council to investigate. We will not take anonymous complaints however all complaints made are treated as confidential.

Reporting unauthorised work

If you have reason to suspect unauthorised work is being carried out you may use our online form to report a problem: Report a Problem

Your concerns will be acknowledged in writing and an officer will endeavour to visit the site within 10 working days if required and respond in full to your concerns within 13 weeks.

What will not be pursued:

• Neighbour disputes: The council will not persue obvious neighbour disputes unless there is a clear planning issue which has a clear significant impact on amenity.
• Anonymous complaints: Unless relating to unauthorised works to protected trees or listed buildings.
• Trade complaints: In cases were the issue is trade or competition.
• Fences and walls in rear gardens: These will not be investigated unless the structure exceeds permitted development tolerances by at least 0.5 metres.

Reasons why formal action may not be taken

In some cases it is not possible to take action. Often this is because the development is "permitted development" or took place so long ago that it is now immune from planning enforcement action.

The council will only take action if the breach of planning control would unacceptably affect public amenity or the existing use of land & buildings and therefore merit such action in the public interest.

If we do not intend to take action we will let you know the reason why.

Rights of appeal

If the council issues a formal enforcement notice, the recipient has the right of appeal to an independent inspector, appointed by the Planning Inspectorate on behalf of the Department for Local Government and Communities who will decide the case. You will be notified and given the opportunity to comment if this happens.