Eden District Council has published its Local Enforcement Plan which sets out its commitment to the delivery of an efficient and effective planning enforcement service.
The plan was adopted by the Council in 2018 following a period of public consultation. The plan sets out how the Council will approach and carry out planning enforcement activities and explains how alleged cases of unauthorised development will be investigated.
The Plan also provides a useful source of information to assists members of the public and local communities in better understanding planning enforcement, what constitutes a breach of planning control, what processes will be followed by the Council and ultimately what powers are available to resolve any breaches.
Eden District Council’s Development Portfolio Holder, Councillor John Owen MBE, said: “Planning enforcement can be a particularly emotive and highly sensitive matter, both to people subject of formal action affecting their home or business, but also to communities that are affected by an unauthorised development. The aim of this document is to provide clear guidance and a better understanding of the processes the Council will follow, explain terminology used and provide guidance on what actions are likely to be taken for those involved.
“It is important to stress that the vast majority of planning breaches are minor and can be resolved through dialogue and negotiation with the Council without the need for more formal action to be taken. However, where breaches are unable to be resolved through negotiation, the Council will take more firm action in accordance with the Local Enforcement Plan.
“I would strongly encourage anyone thinking about carrying out building works or any other form of development to contact the Council’s Planning Service to discuss proposals prior to commencing. This can be done either through the Council’s pre-application advice service or via its daily Duty Planner Service.”
The Local Enforcement Plan can be viewed and is accessible on the Council’s website at the following link: www.eden.gov.uk/planning-and-building/planning/planning-control-breaches/planning-enforcement-plan/ or by contacting your local Parish or Town Council.
For more information about Eden District Council’s planning service visit www.eden.gov.uk or call 01768 817817 and ask to speak to the Duty Planning Officer between 10am-1pm Monday to Friday or call into Mansion House in Penrith.
