Report a breach of planning regulations

Let us know if you think someone is building something without planning permission.

Please be aware that homeowners may be able to make minor changes and extensions to their property without planning permission.  This is called permitted development. You can find further information on permitted development rights at the Planning Portal or see the gov.uk technical guidance.

Examples of work which would breach planning regulations:

  • development without planning permission or built differently to the approved plans
  • works where planning conditions are not met
  • work (other than like for like repairs) to a listed building without consent
  • unauthorised demolition of buildings within a conservation area
  • work to protected trees without consent
  • displaying a sign or advertisement without consent

We will not investigate:

  • neighbour disputes - unless there is a clear planning issue that has a significant impact on relations
  • boundary disputes
  • issues with land ownership
  • breaches of deeds and covenants
  • property devaluation and reduction in Council Tax
  • insertion of windows unless there is a permitted development restriction or the property is a listed building or a flat
  • protection of wildlife - this is a police issue unless covered by a planning condition
  • parking a touring caravan within a residential boundary of a property
  • internal alterations (unless it is a listed building) - please refer to Building Control
  • noise pollution  
  • light pollution

How to report a breach

To report a breach in planning regulations please complete our online form. Your details will be kept confidential.

Report a breach in planning regulations

We do not accept anonymous reports.

What happens next

We will contact the person responsible for the work and arrange to visit the site. If you have told us that the alleged breach is having a negative effect on you or a nearby property, we may also visit you.

We aim to start investigating most complaints within 15 working days and will try and resolve any planning breaches by discussion and negotiation. If we are unable to resolve the matter this way we will consider formal action.

Serious breaches, such as threats to listed buildings or protected trees will be investigated immediately.

We aim to provide you with an update on progress within 10 working days of our initial site visit and when there are developments to report. 

If we do not take action we will let you know the reasons why.

For further information on how we deal with breaches of planning regulations see our Planning Compliance Strategy [docx] 73KB