Key Service Telephone Numbers
Planning Enforcement
Planning enforcement deals with situations where development, including building work or changes of use happen without the required planning permission.
A breach of planning control includes:
- carrying out development without the required planning permission
- not complying with any condition or limitation attached to planning permission
The Planning Enforcement Team investigates alleged breaches of planning control in accordance with the published Enforcement Strategy (provided below). This includes:
- building work taking place without permission
- properties being used for business or other purposes without the required approval
- unauthorised advertisements
- unauthorised work to listed buildings or protected trees
When a breach is found, the Council will look at how serious the harm is and decide the best way to remedy the breach. Sometimes it will not be expedient to investigate further.
Please note: All planning enforcement reports should be submitted online through the Planning Portal. To report an issue or possible breach, click here.
Planning Enforcement Strategy
Our Planning Enforcement Strategy sets out how we will deal with breaches of planning control.
Many cases are resolved informally through discussion, and sometimes the person responsible applies for and receives planning permission after the work has already been done (retrospective planning permission). Where a serious breach occurs, the Council can proceed with formal enforcement action. These powers can include issuing notices that require unauthorised buildings to be removed or stopping an unlawful use.
There are also criminal offences under planning law, including:
- carrying out unathorised works to a listed building
- demolishing a building, or part of it, in a conservation area without consent
- wilfully damaging or carrying out works to a protected tree (TPO) or trees in a conservation area
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contravention of hazardous substances control;
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displaying advertisements without consent
Further information on Planning Enforcement is available on the Northern Ireland Department for Infrastructure website.
Reporting a Possible Breach of Planning Control
The Planning Enforcement Team investigates alleged breaches, but the public also plays an important role by reporting potential problems. You can report a breach through the Planning Portal, or you can write, email, or phone the Council.
When reporting a possible breach, please give:
- the location
- a description of the activity or development
- the name of the person or business involved (if known)
- your name and contact details
- any other helpful details
Anonymous enforcement complaints will only be investigated where it is demonstrated that the alleged breach is causing immediate risk, public danger or significant environmental harm. Your personal details will be treated in confidence in accordance with the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 and the Data Protection Act 2018. However, if the case goes to court, your details may need to be shared as part of the evidence. If this happens, we will contact you in advance to seek your consent before using your evidence.
The Council will generally not be able to give updates on an enforcement case you have reported. This is to avoid affecting the investigation.
Contact Us
Telephone: 0330 137 4036