Enforcement
An enforcement notice is a legal document issued by a Local Planning Authority (council) because it considers that there has been a breach of planning control.
They can relate to the following:
Development which the council considers should be the subject of a planning permission, and/ or
Change of use which the council considers should be the subject of a planning permission.
Seriously?
Enforcement notices should be taken seriously by individuals and businesses alike. These notices are issued by local planning authorities to address unauthorised or non-compliant development activities.
Ignoring or mishandling an enforcement notice can lead to severe consequences, including:
Legal action,
Fines,
or even demolition of the development.
Navigating this complex landscape requires expert knowledge of planning laws and regulations.
What to do?
If you have received an Enforcement Notice, DO NOT try to have a go yourself.
Reach out to us, we are linked with some of the most experienced planning barristers in the UK who can advise on points of law, a service also often needed.
Consequences can end up being very costly and could lead to you receiving a criminal conviction.
The time period normally set by a Local Planning authority for when the enforcement notice comes into effect can be be very short (e.g 28 days). An appeal against the enforcement notice can only be lodged before the notice comes into effect so time is of the essence.