Breaking planning permission rules can lead to fines and even jail time, as the UK areas most guilty of planning breaches are revealed
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The City of Westminster has the most planning breach complaints of all areas in the UK, with 10,094 between 2016-2020, according to data from GetAgent.
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Obtaining planning permission is often a necessity to complete building work such as a self build, and while there are things you can do without planning permission, such as using Permitted Development rights to make certain changes to your home, cutting corners can lead to hefty fines and even jail time.
The City of Westminster, which encompasses the Houses of Parliament and most of London’s West End, is the UK’s worst area for breaching planning permission.
Of the 10,094 complaints received by the City of Westminster local authority since 2016, it served over 4,500 enforcement notices to parties breaching planning permission, which is also more than any other area.
Birmingham was the second-worst area with 7,991 breaches, while Hammersmith and Fulham made up the top three with 6,887.
Planning Ahead
GetAgent.co.uk obtained their data through 20 local authorities in the UK, and highlighted the importance of obtaining planning permission before you begin your project.
Applying for planning permission can be a lengthy process, depending on the building work you’re planning to undertake, but it is essential to do the application process right. Failure to do so could lead to you receiving an enforcement notice which could force you to undo all your construction work, and you could also be prosecuted for certain breaches.
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Colby Short, founder and CEO of GetAgent.co.uk said: “A planning breach in itself is not illegal, however, if the breach involved a previously rejected development the council can issue an enforcement notice, which requires you to reference any changes. It is illegal to disobey an enforcement notice unless it is successfully appealed against. A person guilty is liable to an unlimited fine.
“The planning permission application can also help reveal any unexpected issues early on, like building restrictions or conditions in your contract.”
Britain’s top 10 areas with the most planning breaches (2016-2020)
Jack has worked in journalism for over a decade and was the former News Editor of Homebuilding & Renovating between 2019 until 2023. In his time as News Editor he broke the most relevant and beneficial stories for self builders, extenders and renovators, including the latest news on the construction materials shortage, planning permission and green initiatives. In 2021 he appeared on BBC's The World at One to discuss the government's planning reforms.
He enjoys testing new tools and gadgets, and having bought his first home in 2013, he has renovated every room and recently finished a garden renovation.
