Planning Enforcement
Planning enforcement is an important part of the planning process in protecting the environment. Most people are affected by planning decisions at some time. Building works or changes in the use of the land and buildings are sometimes carried out without planning permission or without properly following approved plans. Such unauthorised work can harm the character of the Borough or in the way in which people live and work. Parliment has given the responsibility for dealing with breaches of planning control to local authorities.
Planning law can be very complicated and so this information is only a guide to the enforcement procedures and the powers of the Council. Milton Keynes Council employs Planning Enforcement Officers who deal with enforcement investigations and action.
We take every enquiry seriously although some will be treated with a higher priority than others. For example works to protected trees or listed buildings are given a high priority than minor works to gates, walls or fences.
The planning enforcement officers can only investigate breaches in planning law. They are unable to assist with breaches which are not related to planning. The sorts of things we can not help with are:
- Neighbour disputes concerning antisocial behaviour.
- Works to unprotected trees.
- Suspected future breaches, things you suspect might happen.
- Neighbour disputes over boundaries or land ownership etc.
- Covenants or any other civil legal contacts.
- Highways issues such as illegally parked cars.
- Trade complaints where the issue relates to trade or competition.
For neighbour disputes the Milton Keynes Community Mediation Service may be able to assist:
http://www.mkcommediation.org.uk/Home.aspx
If your enquiry relates to development at a residential dwelling additional information, which you may wish to read before proceeding with your enquiry, is available at:
Planning Portal Advice and Guides
Permitted development for householders
If your complaint refers to one of the subjects below, additional information is provided for you before you proceed:
Advertisements and their controls
High Hedges
Trees (Trees in Conservation Areas and Tree Preservation Orders)
Lodging an Enforcement Enquiry:
If you are interested in starting a formal enforcement enquiry please click here
If you are unsure if you wish to proceed you can contact us by clicking here
