Planning enforcement

Permitted Development rights mean that you can make certain types of minor changes to your home without needing to apply for planning permission. Further information on Permitted Development can be found on the Online Planning Aid website (see external links below).

The investigating officer will assess the situation and if required will aim to carry out a site visit where possible within 5 working days. The officer will then decide if a breach of planning legislation has taken place, and whether it is expedient to take action. The Council has a range of enforcement notices at it's disposal.

Enforcement officers will always try and resolve issues by means of negotiation, this is not always possible. In these cases notices may be served if the planning department feel that it is expedient to do so.

If you feel one of the following is taking place, and you feel that there has been a breach of planning law then please complete and submit the complaint form, a link to which can be found under Relevant documents at the top of the page.

• 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 Enforcement Notice can be served requiring the breach of planning control to be remedied within a specified period. In extreme cases a Stop Notice can be served requiring immediate cessation of the contravention.

Where conditions attached to a planning permission have been flouted a Breach of Condition Notice can be served.

There is a right of appeal against notices issued by the Council, this can be done either via the First Secretary of State (see the Planning Inspectorate website link below) or alternatively via the Magistrates Court.

Failure to comply with any notice issued by the Council will be considered non compliance which becomes a criminal offence and may result in prosecution proceedings, where on conviction the maximum fine is £20,000.

Enforcement Officers Contact Details:

Senior Enforcement Officer - David Brown 01273 484444 david.brown@lewes.gov.uk
Enforcement Officer - Jennifer Baxter 01273 484482 jennifer.baxter@lewes.gov.uk
Enforcement Officer  - Michelle Gardiner 01273 484418 michelle.gardiner@lewes.gov.uk

Planning handbook and Glossary >