Report a planning breach

Enforcement is an important part of the planning system. We take action where we consider it is necessary.

The planning enforcement register is a public record of enforcement action taken by us to address breaches of planning control.

You can search our planning enforcement register using the map below.

Breaches of planning control

Before reporting a planning breach, check whether the work has been given planning permission by searching for a planning decision.

Commonly reported breaches:

• unauthorised signage
• unauthorised changes of use
• building without planning permission
• breaching planning conditions.

The following are also breaches of planning control that may involve a criminal offence and could result in prosecution:

• carrying out works to a listed building without Listed Building Consent
• felling or carrying out works to a tree subject to a Tree Preservation Order or a mature tree situated within a conservation area.

We will not investigate anonymous complaints unless they concern a statutory listed building or a protected tree.

Reports of suspected breaches will be dealt with in the strictest confidence, and we do not reveal the identity of a complainant.

Activities not considered a breach

The following are examples of activities that are not breaches of planning control, therefore no enforcement action can be taken under the planning legislation:

• roads and public highways - these are dealt with by Kent County Council (opens in new tab)
• boundary disputes, land ownership and party wall matters - these are civil matters
• dangerous structures - these are dealt with by building control
• noisy neighbours - these are dealt with by environmental protection (opens in new tab)
• trees not protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), conservation area or planning condition.

Planning Enforcement Plan

Our Planning Enforcement Plan sets out how we address and prioritise breaches of planning control.

It describes:

• the range of powers available to us
• how we decide whether or not to pursue planning enforcement action
• the process of planning enforcement.

Contact us

Email: planningenforcement@dover.gov.uk (opens in new tab)

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