Enforcement of Planning Control
A breach of planning control takes place when development is undertaken without planning permission.
This can include
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Building or engineering works or the change of use of a property or of land
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The carrying out of development not in accordance with a planning permission, either by varying from an approved plan or by failing to comply with conditions attached to a permission.
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The carrying out of works to a listed building without consent.
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The felling or carrying out of works to a tree which is the subject of a tree preservation order or which is in a Conservation Area.
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The demolition of a building within a Conservation Area.
In addition the local planning authority has power in respect of the untidy condition of land.
Except for works to listed buildings, displaying unauthorised advertisements and carrying out works to protected trees, most breaches of planning control are not in themselves, criminal offences.
The following are examples of activities which are not normally breaches of planning control -
- on street parking of commercial vehicles in residential areas.
- operating a business from home where the residential use remains the primary use and there is no adverse impact upon residential amenity.
- stationing a caravan within the curtilage of a house provided that it is used ancillary to the dwelling i.e. it is stored or used as an extra bedroom.
- clearing land of undergrowth, bushes and trees provided they are not subject to a Tree Preservation Order and are not within a Conservation Area.
We have an adopted Enforcement Policy which sets our approach to enforcement issues -
If you wish to report a breach of planning control you may :-
- Complete an ONLINE FORM now. (you will have an option to attach documents and pictures if you wish)
- Telephone our enforcement staff on 01322 343215 or 01322 343074
- Write to us at the Civic Centre, Home Gardens, Dartford DA1 1DR.
Please note that officers will not normally investigate anonymous complaints.
