Committee                  Regulatory

Planning Committee

Date                            12 November 2025

Report by                    Director of Communities, Economy and Transport

Subject                        Development Management Update

Purpose                       To inform Members about matters relating to enforcement and site monitoring, undertaken under delegated powers for the period between 1 April 2025 and 30 September 2025.

Contact Officer:          Sarah Iles – 01273 481631

Local Members:          All

RECOMMENDATION:

The Committee is recommended to note the report.

CONSIDERATION BY DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITIES, ECONOMY AND TRANSPORT

1. Enforcement

1.1       In the period between 1 April and 30 September 2025, inclusive, there were 23 new complaints about alleged breaches of planning control. All of the new cases relate to “County Matter” sites.  Of the new cases, 9 were dealt with and completed within the reporting period and 14 older cases were also resolved.  Accordingly, the number of sites being investigated or subject to formal action at the end of September 2025 was 49, which is the same as the number of cases that were outstanding at the end of the previously reported period (1 October 2024 – 31 March 2025). 

1.2       There continue to be a number of cases which are particularly problematic and consume a significant amount of Officer time.  This in turn can result in progress on other cases being delayed, which can be frustrating, particularly to complainants.  However, priority must be given to cases which present the most harm and, at times, it can be challenging to deal with people’s expectations.  Officers continue to work proactively with colleagues in other organisations and agencies and this is seen as a vital part of the enforcement function.

1.3       Appendix 1 of this report provides details of cases resolved and received within the period 1 April 2025 and 30 September 2025, together with details of the status of all current cases.  Additional details and information on these cases can be obtained from the relevant officers listed at the end of this report.

2.         Site Monitoring

2.1       Due to significant resourcing limitations it has not been possible to proactively carry out a structured site monitoring programme.  There have been some site monitoring visits, but this has been inclined towards sites where there have been previous or ongoing issues.  It is hoped that a more thorough and focussed programme of site monitoring can be carried out in the future, particularly as additional staffing resources are being introduced to the Team.

3.         Contact Officers

3.1       Members with any queries about enforcement or site monitoring matters should contact either Sarah Iles (01273 481631) or Marcus Berrisford (01273 335218). 

RUPERT CLUBB  

Director of Communities, Economy and Transport

Local Members:  All