Planning Enforcement

The Planning Enforcement Team investigate cases alleging a potential breach of planning control, which can include (but not limited to) 

• Developments carried out without the necessary permissions or consents.
• Developments carried out not in accordance with the permissions/consents granted. 
• Unauthorised works to protected trees (Tree Preservation Orders or in a Conservation Area) 

The National Planning Policy Framework states that:

Effective enforcement is important to maintain public confidence in the planning system. Enforcement action is discretionary, and local planning authorities should act proportionately in responding to suspected breaches of planning control.  They should consider publishing a local enforcement plan to manage enforcement proactively, in a way that is appropriate to their area. This should set out how they will monitor the implementation of planning permissions, investigate alleged cases of unauthorised development and take action where appropriate.

North Warwickshire Borough Council have produced and local enforcement plan which is available online. 

It's important to remember that the main role of enforcement is not to punish the individual for breaching planning control. It is to control the act of development and take action when the development is causing or posing a significant planning harm which is contrary to local and national planning policies.