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Planning Enforcement

Planning Enforcement is an important part of the planning process in protecting the environment. Whilst it is not always a criminal offence to carry out development without planning permission it may still constitute a contravention of planning laws and the Council has the power to enforce those laws. 

Planning law can be very complicated and so this information is only a guide to the enforcement procedures and the powers of the Council. This Local Planning Authority has Investigation Officers who deal with enforcement investigations.

Planning Control

The Council see enforcement action as a crucial component of controlling development. All reports of possible breaches of planning control are taken seriously and investigated as quickly as possible.  More serious breaches must be investigated immediately, e.g. felling of protected trees and unauthorised works to statutory listed buildings. All other breaches are dealt with within an agreed timescale, subject to the availability of Officers.

Breaches

Unauthorised development that takes place without the necessary planning permission of the District Council is deemed as a breach of planning control that may involve a criminal offence and/or result in prosecution

• Development that is not considered a breach
• Deveolpment considered a breach

Complaints about Planning Breaches

Complaints about possible breaches of planning control should be made in writing. Annonymous complaints are difficult to investigate and action will only be taken where the breach of planning control is serious and there is harm to the public interest. If you wish to complain about something that you see as a planning problem

You can either:

• Send a letter to the Planning Enforcement Team
• Fax 01304 872351
• E-mail developmentcontrol@dover.gov.uk
• complete an online complaints form

Your complaint will normally be acknowledged by means of a letter or by e-mail when you will be told which Planning Investigation Officer will be handling the complaint. The Officer will act as your point of contact and will ensure that you are advised of the progress and outcome of the case.

If you have reported a breach of planning control, details of your complaint will be dealt with in the strictest confidence. Your name and address will not be repeated to the person or organisation involved in the possible breach. In cetain cases you may be asked to assist the Council by providing evidence at an appeal or in Court. Before this happens the Investigation Officer will ask for your consent.

Contact Planning

Telephone: 01304 872486

Email developmentcontrol@dover.gov.uk

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