A stop notice requires certain unauthorised development or activities to stop within a set timeframe, usually between 3 and 28 days. In urgent situations, a shorter period may be applied.
A stop notice can only be issued alongside or after an enforcement notice; it cannot be served on its own. Failing to comply is a criminal offence.
There is no right of appeal. In some cases, the local planning authority (LPA) may be liable for compensation if the associated enforcement notice is later quashed, so stop notices are typically used only when a development causes significant or harmful impacts.