Planning enforcement

The Council has planning enforcement powers that it may apply when there is a failure to comply with planning regulations but these are discretionary and it is only able to do this when it can be justified according to planning policies and law. The main areas where enforcement may apply are;

  • Carrying out building works either without planning permission or in a way that is significantly different from what has been granted planning permission
  • Failing to comply with planning conditions attached to planning permissions
  • Changes of use of land or buildings either without planning permission or in a way that is significantly different from what has been granted planning permission
  • Advertising signs
  • Works to trees protected by Tree Preservation Orders
  • Works to trees in Conservation Areas
  • Works on Listed Buildings

We do not investigate:

Confidentiality

If you have reported a breach of planning control, details of your issue will be dealt with in the strictest confidence. Your name and address will not be repeated to the person or organisation involved in the alleged breach or published on the Council's website.

How do I complain if I think someone is breaking the planning regulations?

Before formalising any enforcement complaint, we suggest you read the frequently asked questions and answers that will help you understand how enforcement powers operate.

More information on how Planning Enforcement is carried out by the Council can be found in its Planning Enforcement Policy.

If you need further clarification, telephone 08456 122660 and ask to speak to an officer in the Planning Enforcement Team.

How to make a formal complaint

If you wish to make a formal enforcement complaint then in most situations, this should be in writing to:

The Appeals and Enforcement Team,

Development Control
London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames
Civic Centre
44 York Street
Twickenham
TW1 3BZ

You can report an alleged breach of planning control online.

Your complaint should include the nature of the contravention, its address and location, what harm you feel it causes, and what you think should be done to overcome that harm. Your complaint will be treated as confidential, but we do ask also that you supply details of your name and address, as anonymous complaints will not normally be pursued.

Related guidance

You can refer to the general guides published on the Department for Communities and Local Government website.