Planning enforcement
Although it is not a criminal offence to carry out development without first obtaining planning permission, it may be a breach of planning control and the Local Planning Authority have powers to enforce those controls.
Unauthorised developments can have serious and adverse impact on neighbours and the local environment. The Local Planning Authority has a duty to deal with breaches of planning control.
If you suspect a development does not have planning permission or that planning conditions are not being adhered to you can report this using the 'Report an alleged planning breach' form above.
Any reports of an alleged breach are always treated as confidential and your information will not be disclosed. Anonymous reports will not be investigated.
What happens after I report an alleged planning breach?
When an alleged breach of planning control is reported or suspected, the site or premises will be investigated, and other information sought to establish the facts.
If a breach of planning control is identified, the person responsible will be informed and what action is required to remedy the breach. This may involve the submission of a retrospective planning application to authorise the development. A time limit will be given and the consequences of not taking the appropriate action will be explained.
If the breach of planning control is not remedied within the specified time limit, or is not considered acceptable, the Local Planning Authority will decide whether it is expedient to take enforcement action.
If you require an update of a current planning enforcement investigation, please call 01293 438055 or email planning.enforcement@crawley.gov.uk and provide the site address.
Planning enforcement register
The planning enforcement search above can be used to find details of notices served where there has been a breach of planning control in Crawley. Please ensure you use the ‘Advanced Search’ option, select the ‘Enforcement’ tick box at the top of the page and enter the street name. This online enforcement register lists all notices served since 2000. For older notices, email development.control@crawley.gov.uk.