Planning Enforcement

Planning enforcement deals with situations where building work or changes of use happen without the correct planning permission.

A breach of planning control can include:

starting building work without planning permission
not following a condition attached to planning permission

The Planning Enforcement Team investigates these issues. They look into reports of:

building work taking place without permission
properties being used for business or other purposes without the right approval
unauthorised advertisements
unauthorised work on 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 fix the problem. Sometimes an issue is not serious enough 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 solved through discussion, and sometimes the person responsible applies for and receives planning permission after the work has already been done. If this does not work, the Council can use legal powers. 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:

not following enforcement notices
carrying out illegal work on a listed building
demolishing a building in a conservation area without permission
displaying advertisements without consent
damaging or cutting down a protected tree

Further information on Planning Enforcement, visit: www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk

Reporting a Possible Breach of Planning Control

The Planning Enforcement Team investigates 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)
any other helpful details

You do not have to give your name. If you do, the Council will protect your identity under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 and the Data Protection Act 2018.

However, if the case goes to court, we may have to share your details. If this happens, we will contact you first and explain what it means.

The Council may not be able to give updates on an enforcement case you’ve reported. This is to avoid affecting the investigation.

Contact Us

Telephone: 0330 137 4036

Email: [email protected]