9.0 What happens if an allegation is made that you have breached planning control?

9.1 If a complaint is received you will be contacted by an Enforcement Officer. In cases where access to a dwelling house is required the Enforcement Officer will give at least 24 hours' notice. However, the site inspection may be undertaken without any prior notification should it be considered detrimental to the investigation to give such notice. The purpose of this visit is to establish the facts and whether there is any basis to the allegations made. The investigating Officer will, where necessary, take measurements and photographs of the development or activity taking place.

9.2 Enforcement Officers do have a right to enter land to undertake an investigation, in accordance with Section 196A of Town and Country Act 1990.

9.3 If it is established that there is a breach of planning control you will be advised of the details of the breach and what steps may be needed to either rectify the breach or regularise the situation.

9.4 You will be given a reasonable period of time (subject to the nature of the breach) to resolve any breach of planning control. If compliance is not secured through negotiations or the submission of a retrospective planning application, formal action may be instigated.