Planning Enforcement

The National Planning Policy Framework emphasises that planning enforcement is a discretionary activity and Local Planning Authorities should act proportionately in responding to suspected breaches of planning control. When deciding whether to enforce, the City Council must consider the likely impact of harm to the public. Breaches of planning control are generally not criminal offences and any works undertaken by the owner that are found to require planning permission are purely at their own risk. It is a criminal offence to display unauthorised advertisements or undertake work on a Listed Building or to protected trees without the relevant permission.