- The new easier-to-use comprehensive guide sets out clearer timescales and expectations in local planning
- Investigations into unauthorised planning to be prioritised further and faster than before
Building on the successes of the previous Local Planning Enforcement plan published nearly 10 years ago, Cheltenham Borough Council is delivering a revitalised Local Planning Enforcement Plan, designed to strengthen the protection of the town’s unique architectural heritage, and improve the process of dealing with unauthorised planning developments.
The new plan offers a clearer, more accessible guide for residents, developers, and businesses, setting out streamlined timescales and clear expectations, ensuring a more transparent and efficient planning enforcement process.
The plan categorises all breaches of planning control in to one of three ‘priorities’ and sets target deadlines (for the opening of an investigation) against each category. The draft plan sets out a detailed approach for dealing with breaches of planning control, with formal action being a last, but sometimes necessary, resort.
A breach of planning control happens if development is carried out without the required planning permission, or if development is not carried out in line with the approved plans and conditions.
Actions/works which constitute a breach of planning control which will be investigated include but are not limited to:
- Unauthorised works to a listed building
- Unauthorised demolition in a conservation area
- Unauthorised advertisements
- Unauthorised works to trees protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPO) and trees within conservation areas
- Breaches of s106 Agreements
- High hedges which are unacceptably harmful to amenity
- Untidy land where it affects amenity
Positively, the Local Enforcement Plan could see some potential benefits should enforcement to encompass any of the measures outlined in the Climate SPD (Climate Change Supplementary Planning Document), especially those associated with enforcement of the commitments made by developers at the planning stage to deliver efficiently insulated buildings with sufficient renewable energy generation and sustainable heating solutions.
The council will monitor and enforce planning regulations, focusing on delivering consistent and transparent outcomes for residents, developers, and other stakeholders. The document emphasises the importance of early intervention and communication, as well as a fair and proportionate approach to enforcement.
Councillor Mike Collins, cabinet member for planning and building control, said: “Cheltenham’s architectural heritage is one of its greatest assets, and this revitalised plan ensures that we are doing everything we can to protect it. With clearer timescales and a more streamlined process, residents and businesses can be assured that unauthorised developments will be prioritised and addressed swiftly.”
The updated enforcement plan is designed to promote sustainable development while ensuring that the town’s distinctive heritage is preserved for future generations.
For more information on how planning enforcement will be carried out, how planning permissions will be monitored, and how alleged breaches of planning control will be investigated, please read the summary planning enforcement guide.
