Investigating complaints
Most breaches of planning control are reported by members of the public. Normally we acknowledge a complaint within 3 working days of receiving it.
How we investigate
Our planning officers set conditions and then monitor to make sure the developer complies with them. They pass details to planning enforcement officers if development work does not comply with planning conditions.
We always make sure development work:
- has the necessary planning permission
- complies with any conditions that were set when permission was granted
When we investigate
We will investigate complaints where it's clear to us that a serious planning breach has occurred.
We will not normally investigate a complaint if it is made either:
- anonymously
- without sufficient evidence, seemingly with a sole aim to cause annoyance
We take care to protect the privacy of individuals at all times.
Complaints that relate to breaches on council-owned land and the public highway will be dealt with by whichever council department owns the land. Generally a breach can be resolved more quickly using land-ownership powers rather than planning powers.