How breaches are investigated and assessed

After an enquiry has been logged on the enforcement database for investigation, it will be assigned to a case officer, who will be responsible for investigating the issues and carrying out an assessment to determine if a breach of planning has occurred.

In some instances, an officer may be able to identify a breach of planning through an initial desk study or through information and evidence provided by a complainant. In these cases, the enforcement team may send an advisory letter to or even challenge the owner/occupier believed to be responsible for the breach.

The majority of enquiries received will require the case officer to conduct a site visit. The purpose of visits can be to take photographs, measurements, assess the issue first hand and make contact with the owner/occupier of the land if deemed necessary.

There are some situations where another department within the Council is better placed to deal with the issue raised and in this case we will refer the complaint to the relevant department.

Following an initial investigation, the officer will assess the situation to determine if a breach of planning control has occurred. Further information on relevant areas of assessment can be found on the definition of development, permitted development rights and expediency pages.

If it is determined that no breach of planning has occurred, or if the breach of planning is not expedient to pursue any further, the case officer will submit an officers report. Once reviewed and signed off by a senior officer or enforcement manager, the case will be formally closed following the conclusion of the investigation. The complainant will be notified of the outcome at this stage, with the reasoning for the decision explained.