UK map of planning enforcement shows the South having the most breaches

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

It was revealed three of the top five regions with the most notices were located in the South of England.

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.

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 Parks have 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.”