Report a planning breach

Before you report a breach

You should check whether the work is already approved or permitted.

This can help you avoid reporting something that is not a breach.

Start by:

• searching for a planning application to check if planning permission has been approved.
• checking if you need planning permission

What you can report

We may investigate reports about:

• development without planning permission
• development not carried out in line with approved plans
• failure to comply with planning conditions
• unauthorised changes of use
• works to listed buildings without consent
• works to protected trees without consent
• unauthorised advertisements
• demolition in conservation areas
• untidy land affecting local amenity

What we do not investigate

We do not investigate:

• neighbour disputes
• private boundaries or covenants
• loss of property value or views
• noise or disturbance from building work
• business competition

These are usually private civil matters.

1. Report a breach

Use our online form to report a suspected breach of planning control:

[Report a breach of planning control]

2. Provide details

When you report a breach, you must include:

• details of the suspected breach
• the site address or location
• when the work started (if known)
• how it affects you or the area
• your name, address and contact details

We cannot accept anonymous complaints.

We will treat your report as confidential unless disclosure is required by law.

3. What happens next

After you submit a report, we will:

• acknowledge your report
• investigate (this may include a site visit)
• decide whether a breach has occurred
• decide what action, if any, is appropriate

Contact planning enforcement

Email: enforcement4@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk