Unauthorised Development (Planning Enforcement)
Planning Permission is required for most development that takes place in Scotland, with the exception of some minor works. However, sometimes developers or householders undertake work without planning permission or fail to keep to the terms of the permission they have been given.
The Highland Council has powers to enforce planning controls in such cases, if it considers it is in the public interest to do so. The Council monitors developments to ensure planning controls are being followed but there is also a role for the public in alerting the Council to any problems they become aware of. This is of significant assistance when considering the expansive are we cover within the Highlands.
Our Enforcement Charter (pdf 1.4mb) explains how the enforcement process works in Highland.
When we receive allegations that a development has been carried out without the necessary consent(s) or that conditions attached to a planning consent have not been complied with, we will investigate the development and seek to resolve any breaches of planning control that may have occurred.
Any concerns should be raised as early as possible either by telephone to the local Area Planning Office or via the Council's Service Point Network. However, if you would like to receive a response in writing to this initial contact this should be followed up in writing or by email.
We need the following information when a suspected breach is reported:
- Address of the property concerned
- Name of the owner of the property, or of the person responsible for the suspected breach
- Details of the suspected breach of planning control, with times and dates if relevant
- Your name, telephone number and address (and an email address if available)
- Information on how the breach affects you
- Whether the information is to be treated confidentially