2. What is, and what is not, a breach of planning control?

2.1    A breach of planning control could involve such matters as the unauthorised erection of a building or extension to a building, a 'material' change of use of land, or the display of unauthorised advertisements.

2.2    Other examples of potential breaches of planning control are:

• Unauthorised engineering operations, such as raising ground levels or creating earth bunds;
• Unauthorised works to listed buildings;
• Unauthorised works to trees that are already subject of a tree preservation order (‘TPO’) or are located in a conservation area;
• Breaches of planning conditions that are attached to planning permissions/approvals;
• Not building in accordance with approved plans;
• Untidy land which has a significant harmful impact on the amenity of the wider area.
  
  

2.2     The following examples are NOT normally breaches of planning control:

• Some changes of use of land and buildings falling within categories that are defined by supplementary planning legislation (the ‘Use Classes Order’)
• Any works that are deemed to be 'permitted development' under supplementary planning legislation (for example, extensions and new construction within specified size limits set out in that legislation and certain changes of use);
• Internal works to a building that is not listed;
• Parking of commercial vehicles on the highway or on the grass verges to a highway;
• Running a business from home where the residential use remains the primary use of the land;
• Landownership disputes or trespass issues;
• Infringements of any covenants or easements in property Deeds.