We will try to make sure that planning rules are followed. Breaches of planning control usually take one of the following forms:
- a building is erected, extended or altered without planning permission
- work is carried out which does not comply with approved plans
- a condition imposed in a grant of planning permission is not complied with
- an unauthorised change of use of a building or land, for example - use of a residential property for business use
- an advertisement is being displayed without advertisement consent
We can resolve these issues by discussing them with the developers, or by taking more formal action and serving enforcement notices or other legal notices.
How to report a planning breach
If you feel a breach has occurred and would like us to investigate, please email EDA@cumberland.gov.uk including as much information as possible.
What happens next
When an alleged breach of planning control is reported or suspected, the site or premises will be inspected and other information sought to find out the facts. If a breach of planning control is identified the person responsible for the breach will be told of what is wrong and what action is required to remedy the breach.
All reported cases remain confidential during the investigation. However, in some cases, we may request individual members of the public to support us in formal proceedings.
Issues we don't investigate
We do not investigate:
- neighbour disputes
- land boundaries or ownership disputes
- works to party walls - find information on the Department of Communities and Local Government website
Enforcement policy and register