Planning and building control enforcement
We can look into complaints that don't appear to have permission. This includes
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building work;
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changes of use;
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works to trees;
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illegal adverts;
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unauthorised work to listed buildings and in conservation areas
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untidy land.
How to complain about a breach of control
Complaints about a breach of planning control must be made in writing. We will not accept complaints made verbally or that are anonymous.
You can also e-mail or write to planning enforcement, Wyre Forest House, Finepoint Way, Kidderminster, DY11 7WF.
What will we do?
- We will acknowledge all complaints within 5 working days.
- When we have looked more fully into the complaint to establish if there is a breach of control we will decide what action we will take. We may decide to serve notices but we would prefer to resolve problems by negotiation.
- We will treat all complaints in confidence and enforcement complaint files will not be open to inspection. We will also try to keep complainants advised of progress regularly during proceedings.
We will not accept anonymous complaints. All complaints must be in writing.
What happens next?
We will let you know, by email or writing, when we get your complaint. We will also give you a response to your complaint. We will also give you an idea of the timing of key stages in our investigation. Timings and response will depend on the activity you are reporting.
Circumstances under which we will take enforcement action
Enforcement action is discretionary. What we can do varies case by case.
Planning contravention notice
This is a preliminary notice which tells people of a breach of control and enables us to ask about land ownership, unauthorised activities and changes of use on the land.
Planning enforcement notice
This is the notice to deal with most unauthorised development. The Notice will specify the time when the notice becomes effective and it will specify the steps and timescale to correct the breach. The person in breach, however can appeal before the notice takes effect thus suspending the notice until the MHCLG determines the appeal.
Breach of conditions notice
We will serve this notice when a developer has failed to comply with conditions attached to planning permission. The notice will specify the steps necessary to comply with the conditions. There is no right of appeal against this notice because there is a right of appeal against conditions imposed when we grant consent and the applicant has the ability to appeal at that stage.
Injunctions and stop notices
Used in exceptional circumstances where we consider it necessary to restrain any breach. However, this method is open to legal challenge which can seriously delay outcomes.
Untidy land notices
We can serve a notice on the owner of any land or building which is in an unreasonably untidy condition and we consider has an adverse affect on the amenity of the area. The Notice specifies what needs to be done to correct the situation.
Advertisements - (discontinuance notice)
People can display some advertisements without prior consent but we can prosecute where these are unsightly or threaten road safety.