How to Report a Breach of Planning
The National Park Authority is responsible for investigating potential breaches of planning and listed building control and has powers to take action to remedy a breach as appropriate. Breaches of control could include unauthorised buildings, structures, earthworks, a change of use of a building or land, or the non-compliance with a condition attached to a planning permission. The National Park Authority has a dedicated officer to investigate such breaches.
All breaches of planning control are taken seriously, however, if a breach is identified it does not necessarily mean that the Authority will take action. Often it is not judged expedient to take action on perhaps a minor technical breach, or it may be more appropriate if a planning application is submitted to seek to resolve outstanding matters. However, if the breach is serious, causing harm and cannot be remedied by any other method then the Authority is likely to take enforcement action to address that breach. Whether action is taken will depend on the circumstances of each case.
The Authority has published a Guide to explain the way that we will investigate a potential breach of control and the priority attached to different types of investigation. The Guide can be downloaded here.
Reporting a Breach
If you believe that works or uses are taking place that require planning permission or listed building control and require investigation then please complete the attached form and return it electronically to the National Park Authority. Alternatively you can write to us with the details. We will not normally investigate anonymous complaints and it may be difficult to look into matters if the information or location is vague. We will acknowledge your e-mail or letter and keep you informed as look into the case and when it has reached a conclusion.
It is important to stress that if you report an alleged breach of planning control then your details will be kept confidential. They will not be released on the web, made publicly available or told to the site owner/occupier.
It is important that as much information is included to assist officers with identifying the land or building and the nature of the alleged breach. Photographic or documentary evidence is particularly helpful as allegations are sometimes denied by individuals and if there is already factual evidence available then this will speed up any investigation by the National Park Authority.
click here to report a breach
