Planning enforcement notices were revealed to be far more likely to be given in the South than in the North
Planning notices in the South were far higher than those in the North(Image credit: Getty Images)
New research has highlighted significant regional disparities in planning enforcement issues across England, with a marked difference between the North and South.
Data analysed by Reveal from local authorities and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities (DLUHC) shows that 3,928 enforcement notices were issued in the year ending March 2024, a 9.5% increase from the year ending March 2024.
London in particular was revealed to be the area where issues were seen with planning permissions and planning enforcement notices.
What are planning enforcement notices?
Planning enforcement notices are official documents issued by local authorities to address breaches of planning control.
These breaches can occur when construction or land use does not comply with the necessary planning permissions or regulations.
When a development takes place without the required planning permission, or if the conditions of a granted planning permission are not followed, local councils have the authority to issue enforcement notices to rectify the work or demolish unapproved structures.
Areas with the most planning notices
The South East and London were revealed to be the areas with the most planning enforcements(Image credit: Reveal)
It was revealed three of the top five regions with the most notices were located in the South of England.
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London saw the highest number of enforcement notices, with 1,301 issued, despite none being in the City of London.
Brent topped the list with 162 notices, followed by Westminster with 129, Barnet with 106, and Newham with 95. The only non-London area in the top five was Buckinghamshire, with 98 notices.
Brent had the most planning notices issued in the year ending March 2024(Image credit: Reveal)
Areas with the least planning notices
In contrast, the North East had the fewest issues outside of national parks, with only 84 notices issued.
National Parks received the least enforcement notices overall, with 82, although National Parkshave their own planning policy documents and aren't decided by local councils.
How to avoid planning enforcement
David Weaver, Director of Reveal commented on the research stating: “It’s a shame to see that the number of projects with planning breaches has increased but we know how complicated the planning application process can be for anyone, especially when they’re undergoing their first project."
He offers advice for those unsure of the planning process by choosing the right architect and lean heavily on them for advice.
He added: “A planning enforcement action can really delay a project, but can easily be avoided by following the correct processes when planning a project from the outset, and working closely with the client's architect.
"This is why we work to ensure that any project we’re involved in has the correct planning in place before we start work.”
News Editor Joseph has previously written for Today’s Media and Chambers & Partners, focusing on news for conveyancers and industry professionals. Joseph has just started his own self build project, building his own home on his family’s farm with planning permission for a timber frame, three-bedroom house in a one-acre field. The foundation work has already begun and he hopes to have the home built in the next year. Prior to this he renovated his family's home as well as doing several DIY projects, including installing a shower, building sheds, and livestock fences and shelters for the farm’s animals. Outside of homebuilding, Joseph loves rugby and has written for Rugby World, the world’s largest rugby magazine.
