Enforcement: Reporting unauthorised works
The Town and Country Planning Act 1990, Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 and the Planning and Compensation Act 1991, affords the Council specific powers of enforcement against breaches of planning control. A breach of planning control can include development being implemented which requires planning permission, change of use of land without permission or not complying with details of a permission that has been granted.
The Projects and Compliance Team are responsible for investigating alleged breaches and taking enforcement action where necessary. For more information, please view the Enforcement Plan.
Planning Enforcement Plan 2021
Planning Enforcement Guidance
Search for an Enforcement Case (Planning Online)
What constitutes a breach of planning control?
Examples of Planning Breaches (pdf)
Examples of Non Planning Breaches (pdf)
Reporting unauthorised works:
Should you wish to advise the Council of an alleged breach of planning control, you will be required to fill out an online form via the following link:
Report an alleged breach of planning control
Please note: we cannot investigate anonymous complaints. However, all complainant details are kept confidential and are exempt from the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act.
Enforcement Action:
The Council has a duty to investigate complaints about unauthorised developments. After the investigation, if the Council deems that action needs to be taken, we have the power to take different forms of action that will rectify the problem. Please see the enforcement plan for more details.
Enforcement Notices are a public register and they can be viewed online via our Planning Online system.
Press releases: Overflow car park / Removal of car wash / Unauthorised works in Green Belt / Removal of unauthorised dwelling / Untidy Site
Useful Links:
Environmental Health
Licensing
Hertfordshire County Council Online Fault Reporting
Building Control
Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
The Party Wall Act
Adverts:
Outdoor advertisements are controlled by the Town and Country (Control of Advertisements) Regulations 1992. Some adverts may be displayed without having to apply to the local planning authority for express consent, subject to conditions and limitations. Advertisements displayed in contravention of the Regulations are an immediate offence which is open to prosecution by the local planning authority, under section 224 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.
Advertisements – for further information, including temporary advertisements.