Concerned about work happening on a neighbouring or nearby property.
An illustrative, representative situation, not a description of a specific client or case.
The situation
Someone notices building work, a change of use, or development on a nearby site that looks like it might not have permission, and wants to know whether and how to raise it with the council.
Key facts
- Cost to report
- Free: reports go directly to the council
- Anonymity
- Most councils accept anonymous reports
What matters
Reports go directly to the Local Planning Authority, not to a specialist adviser. There's no charge and no need to involve anyone else to make one, but understanding what information actually helps the council investigate makes a real difference.
Possible routes
Broadly: report it directly to the council (free, straightforward), or get advice first on what information is actually useful to include. The report itself always goes to the council either way.
How it could progress
Where useful, advice can focus on what information actually helps a council investigate — the report itself always goes to the council directly, not to an adviser.
Possible resolution
The council may investigate and take no action, resolve it informally, or take formal enforcement — the person reporting isn't usually told which, since councils are limited in what they can share about another party's case.
This may sound familiar if:
- You've noticed work that looks like it might lack permission
- You're not sure whether it's worth reporting
- You want to know what information actually helps
- You'd rather understand the process before doing anything
Does this sound familiar?
Tell us what's happened and we'll help you understand your position.
Free initial conversation
To understand your situation and whether we can help.
We aim to respond within one working day
Every enquiry is treated in strictest confidence.