Frequently Asked Questions on Unauthorised Developments

A. Where development has been undertaken without planning permission or where there has been a failure to comply with conditions on a planning permission, then enforcement action may be taken by the Council. Where formal action is necessary (it should be noted that the Council will only enforce unacceptable works) an Enforcement Notice (or related Notice) is served on the owner, lessee and occupier of the land specifying the actions which have to be taken to remedy the breach of planning control. Failure to comply with the Notice may lead to action in the Courts or the Council undertaking direct action by carrying out the specified works at the owner's expense. While the Council has taken and will continue to take enforcement action where necessary, enforcement staff are always ready to discuss enforcement matters at an early stage with persons involved, in the hope that reasonable solutions can be arrived at by discussion and persuasion without having to resort to formal legal procedures.

Q. Who do I complain to about an unauthorised development?

A. Please contact your local Area Planning and Building Standards Office.

Q. Will the complainant be notified of the outcome?

A. Any member of the public making a complaint about potential unauthorised works will be treated in confidence by the Council and will not have their names and addresses disclosed. This however may be more difficult to protect should an appeal be made to the First Minister, or if an action is raised in court. The complainant will be notified of the outcome of the Council's investigations.