Decision details

The Service Manager – Communities presented the report of the Executive Manager – Communities that provided information on the delivery of the Council’s Planning Enforcement function. The Service Manager delivered a presentation on planning enforcement procedures and investigations of alleged breaches of planning control. The presentation covered:

·       Categories of Complaint/Investigation

·       Land South of Wilford Lane

·       Park Lodge, Central Avenue

·       22 Landcroft Lane, Sutton Bonington

·       Wilford Lane, West Bridgford

·       Windows

·       Flintham Lane, Screveton

Following the presentation, the Board asked several specific questions regarding the discretion of the Planning Enforcement function. The Service Manager informed the Board that although Planning Enforcement was discretionary, failure to respond promptly to complaints regarding alleged breaches of planning control would impact on the public confidence of the planning service as well as the reputation of the Council as a whole.

Members of the Board advised that they were aware of three incidents of alleged breaches that had received no further response from the Planning Enforcement Team. The Service Manager acknowledged this and agreed to follow up the alleged breaches and for the level of responses to enquiries to be reviewed. It was also noted that a development without planning permission or in breach of a condition was unauthorised development activity, but was not illegal.

Members of the Board requested that all Councillors receive a Planning Enforcement workshop both before the May 2019 local election and following the election for new councillors, as they found the presentation informative. It was also requested for a report regarding planning an update of the service function. 

It was RESOLVED that:

a)    the report of the Executive Manager – Communities be noted.

b)    three incidents of Planning Enforcement in the Leake ward to be followed up and that the level of responses to enquiries be reviewed.

c)     the Group be provided with more information regarding the legal implications of making planning enforcement enquiries public information.

d)    a Planning Enforcement workshop and information regarding the revised NPPF be delivered to current councillors and also be included in the induction programme following the local election in 2019.