Planning Services - Enforcement
What is Planning Enforcement?
Planning Enforcement is an important aspect of planning control. Principally its functions are to:
- Investigate alleged breaches of planning control
- Monitor approved development during construction
Whilst it is not a criminal offence to carry out development without first obtaining planning permission, it may constitute a contravention of planning laws and Basildon District Council has the power to enforce those laws.
Unauthorised developments can have serious and adverse impacts upon neighbouring property and the local environment.
The Council’s priorities are to protect amenity, safeguard the built and rural environment, and uphold local planning policy in the most effective way.
The Government advises planning authorities to resort to enforcement action only where necessary when there is obvious harm or nuisance. (see The Planning Portal)
What enforcement will NOT do:
- Deal with neighbour disputes.
- Investigate land ownership or boundary disputes.
Reporting a possible breach of Planning Control
You can complete a form online form to report a possible breach of Planning Control,
alternatively you can contact Planning Services,
| Address | Planning Services
The Basildon Centre,
St Martins Square,
Basildon,
Essex
SS141DL |
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| Telephone | 01268 294155 |
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| Fax | 01268 294162 |
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| Email | planning@basildon.gov.uk |
What else can you do to help?
You can assist in the enforcement process by including as much information as possible when you report a potential breach. Things to consider are:
- Date the activity started.
- Exact location of the activity.
- Names and addresses of owners, occupiers, builders or agents if you already know them.
- Effects of the activity on amenity such as noise, traffic, smells.
- A record of events such as a diary or daily log.
- Photographs with dates.
Once an appeal has been lodged against an enforcement notice, the Council will notify those who informed us of the matter and ask if they would submit additional information or would be willing to appear at an inquiry or hearing to support the Council’s case.
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| Planning Appeals | |
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