Find the one that sounds like yours.
Planning work that might need permission, before committing.
Have real limits that are easy to misjudge
Permitted development rights
Usually higher after work starts than before
Cost of getting it wrong
Considering an extension, conversion or change of use, and not sure whether permitted development rights cover it or an application is needed first.
Read the caseThe council says a planning condition hasn't been met.
None: only judicial review in narrow circumstances
Right of appeal
Failure to comply can lead to prosecution
If you don't comply
A business had permission subject to a condition, about hours, landscaping or similar, and the council says it wasn't complied with by the required date.
Read the caseAn Enforcement Notice has arrived and the appeal deadline is approaching.
28 days, before the notice takes effect
Appeal window
Non-compliance becomes a criminal offence
If it takes effect unopposed
A homeowner converted a garage into a self-contained annexe without applying for permission. After a complaint, the council investigates and issues an Enforcement Notice.
Read the caseA Planning Contravention Notice arrives after a garden annexe is reported.
21 days from when the notice is served
Response window
Failing to respond in time is itself a criminal offence
If missed
A garden annexe is reported to the council, which responds with a Planning Contravention Notice requesting information while it investigates.
Read the caseConcerned about work happening on a neighbouring or nearby property.
Free: reports go directly to the council
Cost to report
Most councils accept anonymous reports
Anonymity
Building work, a change of use, or development on a nearby site looks like it might not have permission, and it's not clear whether or how to raise it.
Read the caseWork has already been done, and permission was never applied for.
The same planning merits as any new application
How it's assessed
Doesn't itself justify approval
Existing use alone
A garden outbuilding was converted into extra living space without permission. Years later, a sale is held up because the missing permission needs resolving.
Read the caseThese are illustrative situations, not documented client cases. Genuine anonymised cases will be added here as the practice builds its case record.
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