Report a planning breach
Building work or a use of land that does not have the right planning permission is called a planning breach.
A breach is also work that does not follow conditions set when planning permission was granted.
We investigate and remedy breaches in planning control, including where:
- building work appears to have started without planning permission
- there has been a material change of use of land without planning permission
- building work is carried out without meeting the conditions of planning permission, or on a listed building without getting consent
- land is untidy or a building is derelict.
- an advert is displayed without advertising consent
- unauthorised works are carried out on protected trees
If a breach is identified, it may be handled in several different ways depending on the severity and type of breach of control.
If you report a breach, you must:
- supply your full contact details, including your name and address (we do not investigate anonymous complaints)
- check if planning permission has been granted through the Planning Register including if you think a permission hasn't been properly implemented
- if not, then provide as much detail as possible about the unauthorised development and the impact it is causing
What happens when you report a breach
We'll acknowledge your complaint in writing. We'll also confirm the case officer’s details and the likely investigation timeframe. You can contact us at any time to get an update. But, case officers will only tell you of key decisions or actions on a case. We will let you know the investigation outcome.
If someone complains about you or your property, we may visit to check for a violation. In the event of a breach, negotiation may take place for an agreeable solution. If a clear planning breach and planning harm is identified, you risk planning enforcement action.
Failure to comply with planning enforcement action might result in prosecution. Certain breaches, such as those involving listed buildings and protected trees, can result in immediate action including prosecution.
Officers will respond quickly if you report unauthorised work on a listed building or tree.
We aim to decide 70% of cases within 12 weeks. However, if we have to take formal action, there may be a lengthy period before we can conclude a case.
What we cannot investigate
We are not able to intervene or investigate:
- neighbour disputes
- breaches that have not yet occurred
- property damage caused by building works
- encroachment or boundary disputes
- noise or dust from building works or building works outside allowed hours
- activities on the highway or items obstructing the highway
- works to party walls
- unsafe building sites
Enforcement register
We must keep a register of:
- enforcement notices (ENs)
- stop notices (SNs)
- breach of condition notices (BCNs)
You can inspect the planning enforcement register through the planning register.
If a notice is not on the register, contact us and quote the enforcement case reference number.
Contact us to discuss a notice with a planning enforcement officer.
Planning enforcement plan
We have agreed a plan for planning enforcement (PDF, 420kb). It advises on what a breach of planning rules involves, explains how a case will be investigated and sets out the types of planning breaches considered to be a priority for action.
Get help
For more information email planning.enforcement@southwark.gov.uk.
Page last updated: 18 September 2024
