When a local planning authority (LPA) becomes aware of a possible planning breach, an enforcement officer is usually asked to investigate. Their job is to understand the situation fully and decide whether action is needed. They will try to find out:
1. What exactly has happened?
The officer gathers the full facts so they can clearly understand the issue.
2. Does the activity need planning permission?
Some works don’t require permission. If the issue falls outside planning rules, the council may use other powers — for example, environmental health powers if noise is the problem.
3. When did the breach occur?
There are strict time limits for taking enforcement action, so the officer must confirm the timeline.
4. Who is responsible?
The officer must know who owns or occupies the land. They usually:
- check Land Registry records, and/or;
- send formal requests for information by serving Planning Contravention Notices or Section 330 Notices. These must be completed by law.
5. Should enforcement action be taken?
If a breach is confirmed and action is justified, the officer prepares a report recommending whether an enforcement notice should be issued and what action is appropriate.