Southern regions of the UK lead in planning violation incidents, as depicted by the map of enforcement data.
Planning Enforcement in England: A Regional Analysis
In the year ending March 2024, the regions of England that saw the most planning breach notices were Greater London, the South East, and the North West. The capital city, London, was particularly prominent in issues related to planning permissions and enforcement notices.
London saw the highest number of enforcement notices, with a total of 1,301 issued. Brent had the highest number within London, with 162 notices, followed closely by Westminster with 129. Newham was not far behind, with 95 notices. The only non-London area in the top five was Buckinghamshire, with 98 notices. Barnet had 106 enforcement notices.
Outside of national parks, the North East had the fewest enforcement notices, with only 84 issued. This contrasts with the South East, which had 1,030 notices, and the North West, which had 659.
National Parks, however, received the least enforcement notices overall, with 82. It's important to note that National Parks have their own planning policy documents and aren't decided by local councils.
Enforcement notices can be issued when a development takes place without the required planning permission, or if the conditions of a granted planning permission are not followed. These official documents are issued by local authorities to address breaches of planning control. A planning enforcement action can 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.
David Weaver, Director of Reveal, advises those unsure of the planning process to choose the right architect and lean heavily on them for advice. Weaver emphasizes the importance of understanding the planning process and regulations to avoid any potential breaches.
In the year ending March 2024, a total of 3,928 enforcement notices were issued, representing a 9.5% increase from the year ending March 2023. This rise in enforcement notices highlights the need for developers and homeowners to be more vigilant about adhering to planning regulations.
Three of the top five regions with the most notices were located in the south of England, suggesting a trend of planning breaches in this region. However, it's crucial to remember that this analysis is based on a single year, and trends may change over time.
In conclusion, while London and the South East saw the highest number of planning breaches, it's essential for all developers and homeowners to understand the planning process and regulations to avoid any potential issues. Choosing a knowledgeable architect and staying informed about planning policies can help ensure compliance and avoid costly enforcement actions.
