Planning Enforcement

The Enforcement Team investigates alleged breaches of planning control which are reported to it. These can be questions as to whether a particular building or change of use has planning permission, or whether conditions on a planning permission are being complied with.

When a query is received, Officers check the planning history of the site and take appropriate action in accordance with Harts Enforcement Policy. Where a satisfactory compromise cannot be reached, or where the unauthorised development is wholly unacceptable, effective enforcement action will be taken without delay to prevent serious harm to the amenity of an area. All valid Enforcement Notices, Stop Notices, Temporary Stop Notices and Breach of Condition Notices are recorded in a Register which is available for viewing on line or at the Council Offices.

The Council will use its full range of powers under the Planning Acts, and in accordance with the advice contained in Planning Policy Guidance Note 18 "Enforcing Planning Control" to make remedial action in the public interest. However, the Council's power is discretionary, and it will only take action where it considers there is serious harm to the amenity of the area, not for every breach of planning control.

The identity of those raising queries is protected under the Local Government Act, so this will not be revealed to a landowner. The Council receives complaints from various sources including Parish Councils, Councillors, and Members of the Public.

In addition, Council Officers undertake a proactive approach to planning enforcement by visiting development sites to ensure development is taking place in accordance with the approved plans and conditions.

In the financial year 2007/08 the Council received 324 queries about potentially unauthorised developments.