Planning Enforcement

What can I complain about?

We can deal with breaches of planning control, including:

• Unauthorised Development - Building work, or changes in the use of buildings or land, sometimes takes place without planning permission. This is called unauthorised development and in these cases, the planning enforcement team can investigate and take action to remove or reduce the harm caused.
• Unauthorised Change of Use - An unauthorised change of use of a property, eg. running a business from a residential property.
• Adverts and Signs - Many advertisements and signs, such as illuminated shop signs and hoardings, need planning consent. If this consent has not been given, we can take enforcement action.
• Condition of Buildings or Land - If a building or land is in a very poor condition, we can take enforcement action to improve its appearance.
• A condition imposed on a planning permission, not being complied with.
• Work being carried out that is different to what was approved.
• Protected trees being removed or lopped without permission.
• Unauthorised works to a listed building.

We will investigate unauthorised development and will normally give the owner, or person carrying out the works, the opportunity to rectify the matter without us taking formal action. In some cases, if the unauthorised development does not cause significant harm, we may take no further action.

What we can't deal with

• Boundary/ownership disputes
• Covenant issues

That's because these are private issues, which a solicitor or the Citizens Advice Bureau (external link) can help you with.

Contact Details

Planning Enforcement

Email - planningenforcement@chester.gov.uk

Opening hours - 8.45am - 4.45pm

Phone number - 01244 402538

Fax - 01244 320946

Address - Planning Enforcement, Development Directorate, Chester City Council, The Forum, Chester, CH1 2HS