What is planning enforcement?

Most local development requires planning permission. It is our responsibility to make sure that all development in the Borough is legal and has the right permission. We have a duty to investigate legitimate complaints about development that may have been carried out without the correct consent. We do not investigate anonymous complaints. 

Planning enforcement is what we do to make sure that all development within the Borough is authorised. Where we think that a development might be unauthorised, our enforcement team will investigate. We have legal powers to take enforcement action where appropriate. Planning enforcement can be a lengthy process, so we cannot always guarantee an instant resolution.

Our planning enforcement team work hard to prevent unauthorised development which has an adverse effect on its immediate surroundings and the town in general. We will always try and balance the need to protect the local environment, neighbour's properties and historic buildings and areas with preserving the freedom of owners to alter their property as they wish.

We will operate our enforcement activities within government guidelines and in accordance with council policy.

• Hastings Borough Council Planning Enforcement Policy (69KB.pdf )