Enforcement
Enforcement and monitoring is integral in controlling building development and outdoor advertisements to conserve the special qualities of the Lake District.
What we do
Our planning enforcement team monitors compliance with planning permissions granted, investigates possible breaches of planning control and takes appropriate action.
Our Customer Charter for Development Control sets out what you can expect from us when you report a breach of control and how we monitor the permissions we grant.
We are committed to the principles of good enforcement including: clear standards, openness, helpfulness, proportionality and consistency. We have adopted the central and local government Concordat on Good Enforcement (opens in new window, 20KB PDF format) and a Enforcement and Monitoring Policy for the Lake District, which sets out our approach to this area of our work.
Our Planning Enforcement and Monitoring Annual Report 2004-05 (opens Document Library) gives an overview of activity, our performance and priorities.
How we can help
Traditionally planning enforcement has mainly involved responding to complaints. We aim to be more active, seeking to minimise breaches of planning control by encouraging compliance.
The property developer is responsible for complying with planning permission, but we can help by providing advice and dealing with details required by planning conditions. We encourage developers to send us the Start Notice (opens Document Library) provided with all permissions to tell us when they intend to begin work.
How to register a concern
If you think unauthorised planning activities are taking place, please tell us. We need to know the:
- address of the site - a location plan may be helpful
- the nature of the alleged breach, when it occurred and whether it is continuing
- the name of the owner or person undertaking the activity, if possible
Please give your own name, address and telephone number so we can advise you. We will always respect your confidentiality.
We receive over 300 enquiries about possible breaches of planning control each year. Normally we acknowledge receipt within three days and check our records, visit the site and let interested parties know our initial views within three weeks.
Contact us
You can send a letter or download the Planning Enforcement Complaint Form (opens Document Library) and then either save and email as an attachment to planning@lakedistrict.gov.uk or print out and send back to:
Development Control Manager
Lake District National Park Authority
Murley Moss
Oxenholme Road
Kendal
Cumbria
LA9 7RL
