Lewes District Council

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Building Control
Lewes District Council
Southover House
Southover Road
Lewes
East Sussex
BN7 1AB


Tel: 01273 484477
building.control@lewes.gov.uk
Fax: 01273 484452
Minicom 01273 484488

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Planning Enforcement

Details of enforcing planning legislation within the district and the steps taken if a breach is committed by a development.

We have the power to enforce planning laws within the district. These are wide and varied and ensure a breach of the regulations do not happen.

Enforcement Officers monitor developments against the approved plans submitted. If no plans have been approved, retrospective planning permission will need to be applied for.

Permitted Development Rights means certain minor changes can be made to homes and buildings without needing to apply for formal planning permission.

However, changes to buildings and additional development may occur we are unaware of. This can be reported to us if you think it breaches regulations. We have a complaints form which can be filled out returned to us. Incidents may include:

• Unauthorised building works
• Unauthorised change of use
• Unauthorised engineering works
• Failure to comply with conditions attached to planning permission
• Building not being built in accordance with plans
• Unauthorised works on Listed Buildings
• Unauthorised works within Conservation Areas or Article 4 land
• Land adversely affecting the amenity of the area
• Unauthorised advertising

An officer will assess the situation and if required carry out a site visit where possible within five working days. If a breach has occurred we’ll decide on what action to take

We always try and resolve issues by first negotiating with the relevant parties involved. This is not always possible. In these cases notices may be served instead.

In extreme cases a Stop Notice can be served requiring work to cease immediately. Where conditions attached to a planning permission have been flouted a Breach of Condition Notice can be served.

Notices can be appealed against. This can be done either by the Secretary of State or alternatively the Magistrates Court.

Failure to comply with any notice issued by us will be considered non-compliance. It then becomes a criminal offence and could result in prosecution proceedings. In this instance, if convicted a maximum fine of £20,000 is possible.

Documents

 Unauthorised development complaint form (0.04mb)