The enforcement process
We investigate all reported cases and take action where necessary. Often we will take no action if there has been no harm to the area or neighbours’ amenity.
When a planning breach does occur, we normally negotiate first and may ask for a retrospective application or a need to take steps to resolve problems with a development.
Where the breach is serious we serve an enforcement notice.
Where the breach is particularly severe we may serve a stop notice along with the enforcement notice. The unauthorised activities must stop immediately. Failure to follow these notices is a criminal offence, and we can report the matter to the procurator fiscal or take direct action to secure compliance.
Read about the process in the planning enforcement charter.