Public confidence in the development control process is quickly undermined if unauthorised development is allowed to proceed, without any apparent attempt to intervene before serious harm to amenity results from it. Gloucester City Council takes its responsibilities for enforcement seriously, and will pursue formal action, whenever necessary, to protect residents' quality of life and the City's rich built heritage. Our approach is set out in the City's Enforcement Policy Document| approved by Planning Committee in May 2007.
Gloucester City Council employs, within its Development Control Team, Enforcement Officers to investigate and act upon any alleged breaches of planning control| .
If you believe a breach of planning control is taking or has taken place please email the Planning Enforcement Team|, alternatively you can write to The Planning Enforcement Team (via the address details to the left side of the page) or provide details through this website|.
All enquiries will be dealt with in the strictest confidence and your details will remain confidential. Anonymous or non-written complaints will be investigated at the discretion of the Senior Planning Compliance Officer. We will seek to acknowledge written enquiries within 5 working days. The standards to which we aspire to are included within the Planning Enforcement Customer Service Standards|.
All enquiries we take a look at are recorded, and details are viewable through Planning Applications Online|
Where a breach in planning control is proven or suspected, there are a number of powers available to the City Council| . In most cases where Notices are served on an individual (in respect of a breach), there is a right of appeal - the Planning Inspectorate provides more details| including downloadable appeal forms| .
All Notices served are recorded on the Council's Enforcement Register| , with basic details. A copy of the Notice, and more specific details, including what must be done and when, is viewable through Public Access|, by keying in the case reference number. Details on what the information in the Register means has also been provided|.
Please note that the on-line register is updated on the first of the month, for a fully up to date copy please contact Planning Administration| .
A progress report on Enforcement within the City is considered every three months by Planning Committee. These quarterly reports are available to view online.|
The Planning Enforcement Team is continually seeking to improve the service it provides and welcomes feedback on its performance. If you wish to make any comments please print off and complete the Planning Enforcement Customer Survey| and send it to the address above. If you have made an enquiry about a suspected breach in planning control you should receive, following the conclusion of the matter, a copy of this questionnaire.
Alternatively you can contact the Robert Eaton, Development Services Group Manager on 01452 396783.
Last Modified: Wednesday 21 March 2012