The Development Control Service includes an enforcement section which investigates alleged breaches of planning control, such as building works that are taking place without the necessary planning permission or unauthorised land use.

If the council believes unauthorised activity has taken place it has a discretionary power to take formal enforcement action to remedy the breach.  However, wherever possible the council aims to secure a remedy which is acceptable to the council through a negotiated settlement.

The council may invite the submission of a retrospective application to regularise the situation if the unauthorised development is acceptable in planning terms.

Should it be necessary to take formal action, then the offender will be given the opportunity to remedy the breach of planning control prior to any action being taken. 

How do I report a breach of planning control?

You can report a possible unauthorised development or breach of planning control in three ways:

1. By writing to us with details of the complaint, you may use the Planning Enforcement Form (pdf, 31kb) (opens in a new window) and post it to us
2. By emailing the details of the complaint to us
3. Completing our online form

We will only respond to a complaint that includes the following information:

• Your name, full postal address and telephone number
• The address / location and a detailed description of the alleged breach
• Your signature (if completing and returning the written form)
• Date of signature (if completing and returning the written form)

Note: Anonymous complaints or complaints where the above information is not provided will not be considered.

In addition, it will aid the investigation process if you also provide:

• The name, address and status (e.g. owner, occupier) of the person responsible for the alleged breach
• Your email address / fax number

Any complaints made are treated confidentially.

The Enforcement team aims to respond to all complaints within 21 calendar days.

• Planning Enforcement Team
  Name: Planning Enforcement
  Email: planningenforcement@north-dorset.gov.uk
  Tel: 01258 484220
  Fax: 01258 484230
  Full details for Planning Enforcement