Purpose

The Cabinet Member for Housing
& Local Plan approved the adoption of a new Regulation &
Enforcement Service Enforcement Policy on 11 Dec 2024, following a
recommendation from the Regulatory & Licensing Committee on 19
Nov 2024.  The work of officers across
this new service is covered by the policy, and this includes
Planning & Listed Building Enforcement which previously formed
part of Development Management.
 
When Planning & Listed
Building Enforcement formed part of Development Management it was
covered by a Planning Enforcement Plan. 
This was last updated in 2022 and approved by Planning Committee on
4 April 2022.  
 
National Planning Policy
Framework (NPPF) (Dec 24, para 60) states “local planning
authorities… should consider publishing a local enforcement
plan to manage enforcement proactively, in a way that is
appropriate to their area. This should set out how they will
monitor the implementation of planning permissions, investigate
alleged cases of unauthorised development and take action where appropriate”.
 
The new Regulation &
Enforcement Service Enforcement Policy is intended to broadly cover
what is suggested by the NPPF, whilst more detailed information
about planning & listed building enforcement is available on
our webpage.  This webpage will be
updated regularly. 
 
Having two policies cover the
same function is not feasible.  In parts
the policies duplicate, in others they contradict each
other.  The Planning Enforcement Plan is
dated and parts of it have been superseded due to changes to
legislation, guidance, and improved ways of delivering the function
due to changes in officers and moving it to the Regulation &
Enforcement Service.  
 
Officers therefore propose
rescinding the Planning Enforcement Plan.        

Decision

1.1       To confirm the
Planning Enforcement Plan is rescinded and replaced by the
Regulation & Enforcement Service Enforcement Policy.