What is planning enforcement?

Most people are affected by planning decisions at some time in their lives. Building works or other changes in the use of land and buildings are sometimes carried out without planning permission or without properly following approved plans. Development may also be carried out in breach of conditions attached to a planning permission. Such unauthorised work can harm the character of the area or the way in which people live and work. This page:

• explains the Council's procedure for the investigation of possible unauthorised development;
• lets you know how to report unauthorised development;

Planning Enforcement Protocol

The planning enforcement function is a discretionary service. The decision whether or not to take action rests with the District Council. It is not always appropriate for the Council to take action. The decision will always depend on the particular circumstances of each case.

Temporary alterations have been made to the Planning Enforcement Protocol as a result of the high volume of cases that have been received. These alterations are in force until the 30th September 2021, after which they will be reviewed.  Please refer to the Planning Enforcement Protocol Amendments 2021 for more information.

The procedure for investigating alleged breaches of planning control is set out within the Council's Planning Enforcement Protocol.  This should be read alongside the temporary amendments document.

The Council cannot become involved in private legal matters, such as boundary disputes and disputes about private rights of way.

How do I complain about unauthorised development?

If you think that a development is taking place without consent or contrary to conditions placed on a planning permission, you can request an investigation by:

• Emailing the Planning Enforcement Team at planningenforcement@cannockchasedc.gov.uk
• Phoning the Council on 01543 462621
• writing to the Planning Enforcement at Cannock Chase Council, Civic Centre, Beecroft Road, Cannock, Staffs WS11 1BG

Anonymous complaints will not be investigated.

What information will the Council need?

The Council's investigation of planning enforcement cases is often greatly assisted by the local knowledge of the complainant. When you first approach the Council, you should supply as much information as possible (including where appropriate, sketch plans, photographs, etc) about the current and previous situation including:

• the exact address and location of the building or site;
• when activities started, and whether they are still continuing;
• the approximate dimensions of any new building works;
• the names and addresses/phone numbers of any owners, occupiers or builders that you think may be involved;
• details of any problems caused, for example visual intrusion, overlooking, noise, traffic, smells; and in the case of potential unauthorised uses, details of the type and frequency of the activity.

The Enforcement Fair Processing Notice sets out how we use your personal information.

What action can the Council take?

The type of action which the Council can take is set out in the Council's Enforcement Charter.

Last Updated: 09/04/2021