Types of planning control breaches

The table below outlines all types of breaches of planning control that are within the remit of the planning enforcement team to investigate.

Type of breach	Description of breach
Unauthorised Development	Construction or building works considered to represent operational development that is outside the parameters of permitted development. This can include alterations to an existing building, erection of new structures and engineering operations.
Non-accordance with Planning Permission	The failure to carry out development in accordance with an implemented planning approval.
Changes of Use	A material change of use of land which is not considered to be permitted development, falls within the same use class or is an ancillary use.
Works to Listed Buildings	Any works to a listed building that require listed building consent. It is a criminal offence to carry out unauthorised works to a listed building. This may also include unauthorised signs on listed buildings.
Unauthorised Advertisements	Any form of advertisement or signage that requires advertisement consent. It is a criminal offence to display adverts without consent.
Breaches of Planning Conditions	Failure to discharge or comply with the conditions stipulated on the decision notice of an implemented planning approval.
Untidy Land	Any works, development or other activities that have resulted in untidy land that is considered to be detrimental to amenity.
Demolition within Conservation Area	Demolition works within a conservation area that are considered to require planning permission.
Works to Protected Trees (including trees in conservation areas)	Any works which including pruning, lopping, uprooting, felling or any damage, to a tree that is within a conservation area or benefits from a tree preservation order. It is a criminal offence to carry out unauthorised works to a protected tree.
High Hedges	High hedges that are considered to have an adverse effect on an occupant’s enjoyment of their home and/or garden area.

The order of the breaches listed in above table does not represent how different types of enforcement breaches are prioritised. For information on the Council’s enforcement priorities, please see the enforcement priorities page.