Planning Enforcement

From time to time, people complain that the planning rules have been broken. This can happen where someone has:

• Changed the use of land or buildings without getting planning permission first - one example is the use of a house for a car repair business.
• Carried out works without getting planning permission first. It is not just buildings that may need permission - works such as walls, fences and even the construction of drives often need permission.
• Not followed conditions imposed when planning permission is granted.
• Carried out development which is different from the details approved when we granted planning permission.

How to complain

We encourage you to complain in writing. If you provide your name and address, we can keep you informed of progress and contact you if we need more information.

All complaints are confidential. In a very few cases, we may ask you to act as a witness and give evidence. However, this is rare and we will discuss what is involved with you first.

Use this link to find out more if you have made a complaint or wish to complain.

If someone has complained about you

Our first step is to find out exactly what work has been carried out. To do this, we will normally try to visit and discuss the complaint with you. This will allow us to decide whether you need planning permission.

Use this link to find out more if you are the subject of a complaint.

High Hedges

Our planning enforcement service also deals with complaints about high hedges.

Our Enforcement Team

Our Enforcement Team is made up of a Team Leader, two Planning Enforcement Officers and an Enforcement Support Officer. You can contact us by phone on 01782 232472, or you can contact us by e-mail at planning.apps@stoke.gov.uk

Further Information

Our Enforcement Policy sets out the way our enforcement service is delivered and is available using the link below.