Planning Enforcement and Monitoring Plan

3.1 The purpose of the planning enforcement service is to investigate alleged breaches of planning control, taking enforcement action where appropriate. The aim of the service is to remedy planning harm being caused by breaches of planning control.

3.2 To undertake works without first obtaining planning permission is not a criminal offence and the planning legislation specifically allows for the submission of planning applications for development already undertaken. In this respect, the enforcement of planning control does not therefore seek to punish people for undertaking works without first obtaining planning permission. The key consideration in deciding whether to take formal enforcement action is, if a planning application had been submitted, would that application have been refused or only granted with conditions.