Planning enforcement and breaches

Part of
Make a planning application: step by step

A planning breach usually occurs when building work:

is undertaken without the proper permission, either because the planning application was refused or was never applied for
that has been given permission breaks the stated conditions

To find out more about how we enforce planning controls, and to report a planning breach, go to planning enforcement.

Part of
Make a planning application: step by step

Check if you need planning permission
Before you submit a planning application, always start by checking whether you need planning permission for your work.
Check if the work is covered by permitted development
Before you submit a planning application, please check to see if the work is covered under permitted development rights.
Check planning policies and guidance
Planning policies and guidance may affect your planning application, so you are advised to check them before you apply.
Check planning constraints
There are certain constraints you need to check that may affect your application, including conservation areas, listed buildings, flood zones, archaeological and historical sites and Tree Preservation Orders.
Get pre-application planning advice
Before you make a planning application, you may want to request pre-application advice from the planning department.
Developer contributions
As a developer applying for planning permission, you may be required to make a developer contribution towards paying for new services and infrastructure.
Submit a planning application
How to submit a planning application, including required evidence and documents.
How and when planning decisions are made
What happens after you submit your planning application, including how and when we make decisions and how long it may take to process your application.
Planning appeals and reviews
Planning appeals and reviews and how to request that your application is reviewed or appealed.
Change an existing planning application
If you want to make a minor change to the proposals that were originally approved, you can submit a non-material variation request.
Apply for approval (discharge) of planning conditions
Planning conditions are often applied when planning permission is approved. You can apply to have these conditions discharged (approved) so that your development can begin.
Planning enforcement and breaches
How we enforce breaches of planning and how to report a planning breach.

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Check if you need planning permission

Check if the work is covered by permitted development

Check planning policies and guidance

Check planning constraints

Get pre-application planning advice

Developer contributions

Submit a planning application

How and when planning decisions are made

Planning appeals and reviews

Change an existing planning application

Apply for approval (discharge) of planning conditions

Planning enforcement and breaches

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Planning enforcement and breaches

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