Planning enforcement

Planning permission is normally required for the development of property, whether this involves erecting buildings or making material changes of use of the land or buildings. 

Surrey Heath Borough Council can use planning enforcement powers to rectify development carried out without proper authorisation, if such action is justified (expedient) and is in the public interest.

It must be understood that it is not an offence to carry out development without first obtaining planning permission. Where Council's assessment indicates that planning permission would be granted for development which has already taken place we are likely to suggest to the person responsible for the development that they should submit a retrospective planning application. Only where development is clearly unacceptable will the Council seek to use its formal enforcement powers to remove unauthorised development.

Please see the statutory register for the list of enforcement notices issued.

Making a planning enforcement complaint

Before making a Planning Enforcement complaint you should consider the following:

• Is planning permission required for the development?
• Is the work "permitted development"? See the Planning Portal for information (external link )
• Has planning permission been granted for the development? Search for planning permission (external link)

In order to investigate your complaint we require you to complete a Planning Enforcement Investigation Questionnaire. You will need to ensure that the form is completed fully as failure to provide the required information may prevent the Council from registering your complaint. All complaints will be treated confidentially

• Document

  Planning Enforcement Investigation Questionnaire.pdf (PDF, 156.57KB)

The Councils procedure and processes for investigating and processing enforcement complaints is set out in a Local Enforcement Plan:

• Document

  Local Enforcement Plan.pdf (PDF, 845.13KB)

Investigation of complaints

The Council will acknowledge receipt of your enquiry and may request that you provided additional information to that has been provided. You will be advised of how the Council intends to pursue the matter as soon as it is in a position to do so. Complaints will however be investigated in accordance with their priority and it may be several weeks before we are able to consider more minor allegations. 

For more information please call 01276 707100.