Planning enforcement is the process by which the council investigates and resolves breaches of planning control.
Before making a complaint you should check to see if permission has been granted by searching for a planning application.
Sometimes people can do work without needing planning permission, check what work is permitted without planning permission.
What we will and will not investigate
We will investigate the following:
- carrying out development that requires planning permission, either without planning permission or in a way that is significantly different from what has been granted
- failing to comply with planning conditions or limitations attached to a planning permission
- changes of use of land or buildings either without planning permission or in a way that is significantly different from what has been granted
- works to a listed building without consent
- works to a protected tree without consent
- display of unauthorised advertisement
- demolition of certain buildings in a conservation area
- untidy sites
We will not investigate:
- neighbour disputes
- private property boundaries and/or covenants
- property devaluation
- disturbance due building operations
- loss of private views
- business competition
These are likely to be private civil matters and we will not intervene.
Most breaches of planning control are not criminal offences. It is for us to decide what (if any) action we take in response to a breach. Each case is unique and will be considered on its own facts and merits.
In arriving at a decision whether to take formal enforcement action, the council will be fair, independent and objective.
Report a breach of planning regulations
Report a breach of planning control
You will need to include:
- details of the alleged breach or unauthorised activity
- address or location of the alleged breach
- date when the works or activity first started
- the harm you feel it causes you and the neighbourhood. Include photos if this helps
- name and contact details of the person(s) carrying out the alleged breach (if known)
- your name, postal address and other contact details (this is essential)
Your complaint will be treated as confidential. We will not reveal any information likely to identify the complainant unless required to for court proceedings.
We do not accept anonymous complaints.
What happens once a complaint is received
Once we receive a complaint, we will:
- Acknowledge your report
- Investigate the matter, which may include a site visit
- Determine whether a breach has occurred
- Decide on the appropriate course of action
We aim to keep complainants informed of progress, though please note that planning enforcement investigations can be complex and take time.
Planning enforcement register
Our register only has cases where formal action has been taken. It doesn’t include all cases under investigation or all the cases we deal with.
Please contact us to discuss how to view our enforcement register.
Contact details
Telephone: 0300 373 3300
Email:
Barrow-in-Furness Area: consultplanning@barrowbc.gov.uk
Eden Area: enforcement4@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk
South Lakeland Area: planning.enforcement@southlakeland.gov.uk
Address: South Lakeland House, Lowther Street, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 4DQ