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 the Council's Enforcement Policy. The Council will not condone wilful breaches of planning law but it will exercise discretion about taking enforcement action if it is considered expedient to do so.

By their nature some alleged breaches of planning control are potentially more serious than others. In order to ensure that appropriate resources are given to the more serious allegations the Council has adopted at set of priorities. This means that allegations that are considered less serious may be looked at over a slightly longer timescale.

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 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.

If you believe that there may have been a breach of planning control you can fill in the form here and email it to the Council at enforcement@hart.gov.uk or complete the form on line.

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 2008/09 the Council received 303 queries about alledged breaches of planning control.