Town and Country Planning Act 1990

Part VII E+W Enforcement

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Pt. VII (ss. 172-196C) applied (with modifications) (17.7.1992) by S.I. 1992/1492, regs. 2(1)(b), 3-11

Pt. VII (ss. 172-196C) applied (with modifications) (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 19, s. 20(3), Sch. 5 Pt. III paras. 15(1), 20 (with ss. 54(5)(7), 55(5), Sch. 17 paras. 22(1), 23(2)); S.I. 1995/3198, art. 4, Sch. 2

C2 Pt. 7 modified (16.9.2011) by The Storage of Carbon Dioxide (Access to Infrastructure) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/2305), regs. 1, 19(2)

C3 Pt. 7 applied (with modifications) (4.7.2023) by The Building Safety (Responsible Actors Scheme and Prohibitions) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/753), regs. 1(1), 41, Sch. (as amended (E.) (25.4.2024) by The Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 (Consequential Amendments) (No. 2) (England) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/453), regs. 1(2), 4(2))

F1 [Introductory E+W

Textual Amendments

F1 Ss. 171A, 171B and cross heading inserted (2.1.1992 for certain purposes and otherwise 27.7.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 4(1), (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2905, art.3 (subject to art. 5); S.I. 1992/1630, art. 2 (with art. 3(1))

F2 171A Expressions used in connection with enforcement. E+W

(1) For the purposes of this Act—

(a) carrying out development without the required planning permission; or

(b) failing to comply with any condition or limitation subject to which planning permission has been granted,

constitutes a breach of planning control.

(2) For the purposes of this Act—

[F3 (za) the issue of an enforcement warning notice in relation to land in England under section 172ZA;]

(a) the issue of an enforcement notice (defined in section 172);

[F4 (aa) the issue of an enforcement warning notice [F5 in relation to land in Wales under section 173ZA];] or

(b) the service of a breach of condition notice (defined in section 187A),

constitutes taking enforcement action.

(3) In this Part “planning permission” includes permission under Part III of the 1947 Act, of the 1962 Act or of the 1971 Act.

Textual Amendments

F2 Ss. 171A, 171B inserted (2.1.1992 for certain purposes and otherwise 27.7.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 4(1) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2905, art.3 (subject to art. 5); S.I. 1992/1630, art. 2 (with art. 3(1))

F3 S. 171A(2)(za) inserted (25.4.2024) by Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 (c. 55), ss. 117(2)(a), 255(3)(b) (with s. 247); S.I. 2024/452, reg. 3(d)

F4 S. 171A(2)(aa) inserted (6.9.2015 for specified purposes, 16.3.2016 in so far as not already in force) by Planning (Wales) Act 2015 (anaw 4), ss. 43(3), 58(2)(b)(4)(b); S.I. 2016/52, art. 5(c)

F5 Words in s. 171A(2)(aa) substituted (25.4.2024) by Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 (c. 55), ss. 117(2)(b), 255(3)(b) (with s. 247); S.I. 2024/452, reg. 3(d)

F6 171B Time limits. E+W

(1) Where there has been a breach of planning control consisting in the carrying out without planning permission of building, engineering, mining or other operations in, on, over or under land, no enforcement action may be taken after the end of the period of—

[F7 (a) in the case of a breach of planning control in England, ten years beginning with the date on which the operations were substantially completed, and

(b) in the case of a breach of planning control in Wales, four years beginning with the date on which the operations were substantially completed.]

(2) Where there has been a breach of planning control consisting in the change of use of any building to use as a single dwellinghouse, no enforcement action may be taken after the end of the period of—

[F8 (a) in the case of a breach of planning control in England, ten years beginning with the date of the breach, and

(b) in the case of a breach of planning control in Wales, four years beginning with the date of the breach.]

[F9 (2A) There is no restriction on when enforcement action may be taken in relation to a breach of planning control in respect of relevant demolition (within the meaning of section 196D).]

(3) In the case of any other breach of planning control, no enforcement action may be taken after the end of the period of ten years beginning with the date of the breach.

(4) The preceding subsections do not prevent—

(a) the service of a breach of condition notice in respect of any breach of planning control if an enforcement notice in respect of the breach is in effect; or

(b) taking further enforcement action in respect of any breach of planning control if, during the period of four years ending with that action being taken, the local planning authority have taken or purported to take enforcement action in respect of that breach.]

Textual Amendments

F6 Ss. 171A, 171B inserted (2.1.1992 for certain purposes and otherwise 27.7.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 4(1) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2905, art.3 (subject to art. 5); S.I. 1992/1630, art. 2 (with art. 3(1))

F7 S. 171B(1)(a)(b) substituted for words in s. 171B(1) (25.4.2024) by Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 (c. 55), ss. 115(1), 255(3)(b) (with s. 247); S.I. 2024/452, reg. 3(b) (with reg. 5)

F8 S. 171B(2)(a)(b) substituted for words in s. 171B(2) (25.4.2024) by Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 (c. 55), ss. 115(2), 255(3)(b) (with s. 247); S.I. 2024/452, reg. 3(b) (with reg. 5)

F9 S. 171B(2A) inserted (1.10.2013) by Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (c. 24), s. 103(3), Sch. 17 para. 4; S.I. 2013/2227, art. 2(m)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C4 S. 171B(2A) transitional provisions for effects of 2003 c. 24, s. 63, Sch. 17 paras. 1-6 (2.10.2013) by The Town and Country Planning (Isles of Scilly) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/2148), arts. 1(1), 5(4)(b)

[F10 171BA Time limits in cases involving concealment E+W

(1) Where it appears to the local planning authority that there may have been a breach of planning control in respect of any land in England, the authority may apply to a magistrates' court for an order under this subsection (a “planning enforcement order”) in relation to that apparent breach of planning control.

(2) If a magistrates' court makes a planning enforcement order in relation to an apparent breach of planning control, the local planning authority may take enforcement action in respect of—

(a) the apparent breach, or

(b) any of the matters constituting the apparent breach,

at any time in the enforcement year.

(3) “The enforcement year” for a planning enforcement order is the year that begins at the end of 22 days beginning with the day on which the court's decision to make the order is given, but this is subject to subsection (4).

(4) If an application under section 111(1) of the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (statement of case for opinion of High Court) is made in respect of a planning enforcement order, the enforcement year for the order is the year beginning with the day on which the proceedings arising from that application are finally determined or withdrawn.

(5) Subsection (2)—

(a) applies whether or not the time limits under section 171B have expired, and

(b) does not prevent the taking of enforcement action after the end of the enforcement year but within those time limits.

Textual Amendments

F10 Ss. 171BA-171BC inserted (6.4.2012) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), ss. 124(1), 240(2) (with s. 144); S.I. 2012/628, art. 8(b) (with arts. 9, 12, 13, 16, 18-20) (as amended (3.8.2012) by S.I. 2012/2029, arts. 2, 4)

171BB Planning enforcement orders: procedure E+W

(1) An application for a planning enforcement order in relation to an apparent breach of planning control may be made within the 6 months beginning with the date on which evidence of the apparent breach of planning control sufficient in the opinion of the local planning authority to justify the application came to the authority's knowledge.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), a certificate—

(a) signed on behalf of the local planning authority, and

(b) stating the date on which evidence sufficient in the authority's opinion to justify the application came to the authority's knowledge,

is conclusive evidence of that fact.

(3) A certificate stating that matter and purporting to be so signed is to be deemed to be so signed unless the contrary is proved.

(4) Where the local planning authority apply to a magistrates' court for a planning enforcement order in relation to an apparent breach of planning control in respect of any land, the authority must serve a copy of the application—

(a) on the owner and on the occupier of the land, and

(b) on any other person having an interest in the land that is an interest which, in the opinion of the authority, would be materially affected by the taking of enforcement action in respect of the apparent breach.

(5) The persons entitled to appear before, and be heard by, the court hearing an application for a planning enforcement order in relation to an apparent breach of planning control in respect of any land include—

(a) the applicant,

(b) any person on whom a copy of the application was served under subsection (4), and

(c) any other person having an interest in the land that is an interest which, in the opinion of the court, would be materially affected by the taking of enforcement action in respect of the apparent breach.

(6) In this section “planning enforcement order” means an order under section 171BA(1).

Textual Amendments

F10 Ss. 171BA-171BC inserted (6.4.2012) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), ss. 124(1), 240(2) (with s. 144); S.I. 2012/628, art. 8(b) (with arts. 9, 12, 13, 16, 18-20) (as amended (3.8.2012) by S.I. 2012/2029, arts. 2, 4)

171BC Making a planning enforcement order E+W

(1) A magistrates' court may make a planning enforcement order in relation to an apparent breach of planning control only if—

(a) the court is satisfied, on the balance of probabilities, that the apparent breach, or any of the matters constituting the apparent breach, has (to any extent) been deliberately concealed by any person or persons, and

(b) the court considers it just to make the order having regard to all the circumstances.

(2) A planning enforcement order must—

(a) identify the apparent breach of planning control to which it relates, and

(b) state the date on which the court's decision to make the order was given.

(3) In this section “planning enforcement order” means an order under section 171BA(1).]

Textual Amendments

F10 Ss. 171BA-171BC inserted (6.4.2012) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), ss. 124(1), 240(2) (with s. 144); S.I. 2012/628, art. 8(b) (with arts. 9, 12, 13, 16, 18-20) (as amended (3.8.2012) by S.I. 2012/2029, arts. 2, 4)

F11 [Planning contravention notices E+W

Textual Amendments

F11 Ss. 171C, 171D and cross heading inserted (2.1.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s.1 (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2905, art.3 (subject to art. 5)

F12 171C Power to require information about activities on land. E+W

(1) Where it appears to the local planning authority that there may have been a breach of planning control in respect of any land, they may serve notice to that effect (referred to in this Act as a “planning contravention notice”) on any person who—

(a) is the owner or occupier of the land or has any other interest in it; or

(b) is carrying out operations on the land or is using it for any purpose.

(2) A planning contravention notice may require the person on whom it is served to give such information as to—

(a) any operations being carried out on the land, any use of the land and any other activities being carried out on the land; and

(b) any matter relating to the conditions or limitations subject to which any planning permission in respect of the land has been granted,

as may be specified in the notice.

(3) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (2), the notice may require the person on whom it is served, so far as he is able—

(a) to state whether or not the land is being used for any purpose specified in the notice or any operations or activities specified in the notice are being or have been carried out on the land;

(b) to state when any use, operations or activities began;

(c) to give the name and [F13 postal] address of any person known to him to use or have used the land for any purpose or to be carrying out, or have carried out, any operations or activities on the land;

(d) to give any information he holds as to any planning permission for any use or operations or any reason for planning permission not being required for any use or operations;

(e) to state the nature of his interest (if any) in the land and the name and [F13 postal] address of any other person known to him to have an interest in the land.

(4) A planning contravention notice may give notice of a time and place at which—

(a) any offer which the person on whom the notice is served may wish to make to apply for planning permission, to refrain from carrying out any operations or activities or to undertake remedial works; and

(b) any representations which he may wish to make about the notice,

will be considered by the authority, and the authority shall give him an opportunity to make in person any such offer or representations at that time and place.

(5) A planning contravention notice must inform the person on whom it is served—

(a) of the likely consequences of his failing to respond to the notice and, in particular, that enforcement action may be taken; and

(b) of the effect of section 186(5)(b).

(6) Any requirement of a planning contravention notice shall be complied with by giving information in writing to the local planning authority.

(7) The service of a planning contravention notice does not affect any other power exercisable in respect of any breach of planning control.

(8) In this section references to operations or activities on land include operations or activities in, under or over the land.

Textual Amendments

F12 Ss. 171C, 171D inserted (2.1.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s.1(with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2905, art. 3 (subject to art. 5)

F13 Word in s. 171C(3)(c)(e) inserted (E.) (31.3.2003) by The Town and Country Planning (Electronic Communications) (England) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/956), art. 5(a); (W.) (1.1.2005) by The Town and Country Planning (Electronic Communications) (Wales) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/3156), arts. 5(a), 14

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C5 S. 171C: power to apply conferred (10.11.1993) by 1993 c. 28, s. 171(4)(a); S.I. 1993/2762, art. 3

C6 S. 171C: functions of local authority not to be responsibility of an executive of the authority (E.)(16.11.2000) by virtue of S.I. 2000/2853, reg. 2(1), Sch. 1

F14 171D Penalties for non-compliance with planning contravention notice. E+W

(1) If, at any time after the end of the period of twenty-one days beginning with the day on which a planning contravention notice has been served on any person, he has not complied with any requirement of the notice, he shall be guilty of an offence.

(2) An offence under subsection (1) may be charged by reference to any day or longer period of time and a person may be convicted of a second or subsequent offence under that subsection by reference to any period of time following the preceding conviction for such an offence.

(3) It shall be a defence for a person charged with an offence under subsection (1) to prove that he had a reasonable excuse for failing to comply with the requirement.

(4) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (1) shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

(5) If any person—

(a) makes any statement purporting to comply with a requirement of a planning contravention notice which he knows to be false or misleading in a material particular; or

(b) recklessly makes such a statement which is false or misleading in a material particular,

he shall be guilty of an offence.

(6) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (5) shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.]

Textual Amendments

F14 Ss. 171C, 171D inserted (2.1.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s.1(with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2905, art.3 (subject to art. 5)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C7 S. 171D: power to apply conferred (10.11.1993) by 1993 c. 28, s. 171(4)(a); S.I. 1993/2762, art. 3

[F15 Temporary stop notices E+W

Textual Amendments

F15 Ss. 171E-171H and cross-heading inserted (6.8.2004 for specified purposes, 7.3.2005 for E. so far as not already in force, 22.6.2015 for W. so far as not already in force) by Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (c. 5), s. 52, s. 121(1)-(3) (with s. 111); S.I. 2004/2097, art. 2; S.I. 2005/204, art. 2; S.I. 2015/340, art. 2(c)

171E Temporary stop notice E+W

(1) This section applies if the local planning authority think—

(a) that there has been a breach of planning control in relation to any land, and

(b) that it is expedient that the activity (or any part of the activity) which amounts to the breach is stopped immediately.

(2) The authority may issue a temporary stop notice.

(3) The notice must be in writing and must—

(a) specify the activity which the authority think amounts to the breach;

(b) prohibit the carrying on of the activity (or of so much of the activity as is specified in the notice);

(c) set out the authority’s reasons for issuing the notice.

(4) A temporary stop notice may be served on any of the following—

(a) the person who the authority think is carrying on the activity;

(b) a person who the authority think is an occupier of the land;

(c) a person who the authority think has an interest in the land.

(5) The authority must display on the land—

(a) a copy of the notice;

(b) a statement of the effect of the notice and of section 171G.

(6) A temporary stop notice has effect from the time a copy of it is first displayed in pursuance of subsection (5).

(7) A temporary stop notice ceases to have effect—

(a) at the end of the [F16 relevant period] starting on the day the copy notice is so displayed,

(b) at the end of such shorter period starting on that day as is specified in the notice, or

(c) if it is withdrawn by the local planning authority.

[F17 (8) In subsection (7)(a), “relevant period” means—

(a) in the case of a notice issued by a local planning authority in England, 56 days;

(b) in the case of a notice issued by a local planning authority in Wales, 28 days.]

Textual Amendments

F16 Words in s. 171E(7)(a) substituted (25.4.2024) by Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 (c. 55), ss. 116(2), 255(3)(b) (with s. 247); S.I. 2024/452, reg. 3(c) (with reg. 6)

F17 S. 171E(8) inserted (25.4.2024) by Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 (c. 55), ss. 116(3), 255(3)(b) (with s. 247); S.I. 2024/452, reg. 3(c) (with reg. 6)

171F Temporary stop notice: restrictions E+W

(1) A temporary stop notice does not prohibit—

(a) the use of a building as a dwelling house;

(b) the carrying out of an activity of such description or in such circumstances as is prescribed.

(2) A temporary stop notice does not prohibit the carrying out of any activity which has been carried out (whether or not continuously) for a period of four years ending with the day on which the copy of the notice is first displayed as mentioned in section 171E(6).

(3) Subsection (2) does not prevent a temporary stop notice prohibiting—

(a) activity consisting of or incidental to building, engineering, mining or other operations, or

(b) the deposit of refuse or waste materials.

(4) For the purposes of subsection (2) any period during which the activity is authorised by planning permission must be ignored.

(5) A second or subsequent temporary stop notice must not be issued in respect of the same activity unless the local planning authority has first taken some other enforcement action in relation to the breach of planning control which is constituted by the activity.

(6) In subsection (5) enforcement action includes obtaining the grant of an injunction under section 187B.

171G Temporary stop notice: offences E+W

(1) A person commits an offence if he contravenes a temporary stop notice—

(a) which has been served on him, or

(b) a copy of which has been displayed in accordance with section 171E(5).

(2) Contravention of a temporary stop notice includes causing or permitting the contravention of the notice.

(3) An offence under this section may be charged by reference to a day or a longer period of time.

(4) A person may be convicted of more than one such offence in relation to the same temporary stop notice by reference to different days or periods of time.

(5) A person does not commit an offence under this section if he proves—

(a) that the temporary stop notice was not served on him, and

(b) that he did not know, and could not reasonably have been expected to know, of its existence.

(6) A person convicted of an offence under this section is liable [F18 on summary conviction, or on conviction on indictment, to a fine].

(7) In determining the amount of the fine the court must have regard in particular to any financial benefit which has accrued or has appeared to accrue to the person convicted in consequence of the offence.

Textual Amendments

F18 Words in s. 171G(6) substituted (12.3.2015) by The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (Fines on Summary Conviction) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/664), reg. 1(1), Sch. 4 para. 18(2) (with reg. 5(1))

171H Temporary stop notice: compensation E+W

(1) This section applies if and only if a temporary stop notice is issued and at least one of the following paragraphs applies—

(a) the activity which is specified in the notice is authorised by planning permission or [F19 by a development order, a local development order or a neighbourhood development order];

(b) a certificate in respect of the activity is issued under section 191 or granted under that section by virtue of section 195;

(c) the authority withdraws the notice.

(2) Subsection (1)(a) does not apply if the planning permission is granted on or after the date on which a copy of the notice is first displayed as mentioned in section 171E(6).

(3) Subsection (1)(c) does not apply if the notice is withdrawn following the grant of planning permission as mentioned in subsection (2).

(4) A person who at the time the notice is served has an interest in the land to which the notice relates is entitled to be compensated by the local planning authority in respect of any loss or damage directly attributable to the prohibition effected by the notice.

(5) Subsections (3) to (7) of section 186 apply to compensation payable under this section as they apply to compensation payable under that section; and for that purpose references in those subsections to a stop notice must be taken to be references to a temporary stop notice.]

Textual Amendments

F19 Words in s. 171H(1)(a) substituted (15.11.2011 for specified purposes, 15.1.2012 for specified purposes) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2)(5)(j), Sch. 12 para. 17; S.I. 2012/57, art. 4(1)(h) (with arts. 6, 7, 9-11)

Enforcement notices E+W

[F20 172 Issue of enforcement notice. E+W

(1) The local planning authority may issue a notice (in this Act referred to as an “enforcement notice”) where it appears to them—

(a) that there has been a breach of planning control; and

(b) that it is expedient to issue the notice, having regard to the provisions of the development plan and to any other material considerations.

(2) A copy of an enforcement notice shall be served—

(a) on the owner and on the occupier of the land to which it relates; and

(b) on any other person having an interest in the land, being an interest which, in the opinion of the authority, is materially affected by the notice.

(3) The service of the notice shall take place—

(a) not more than twenty-eight days after its date of issue; and

(b) not less than twenty-eight days before the date specified in it as the date on which it is to take effect.]

Textual Amendments

F20 Ss. 172-173A substituted for ss. 172, 173 (25.11.1991 for certain purposes and otherwise 2.1.1992) by 1991 c. 34, s. 5(1) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2728, art.2; S.I. 1991/2905, art.3 (subject to art. 5)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C8 S. 172: power to apply conferred (10.11.1993) by 1993 c. 28, s. 171(4)(a); S.I. 1993/2762, art. 3

C9 S. 172: functions of local authority not to be responsibility of an executive of the authority (E.)(16.11.2000) by virtue of S.I. 2000/2853, reg. 2(1), Sch. 1

[F21 172ZA Enforcement warning notice: England E+W

(1) The local planning authority may issue a notice (an “enforcement warning notice”) where it appears to them that—

(a) there has been a breach of planning control in respect of any land in England, and

(b) there is a reasonable prospect that, if an application for planning permission in respect of the development concerned were made, planning permission would be granted.

(2) The notice must—

(a) state the matters that appear to the authority to constitute the breach of planning control, and

(b) state that, unless an application for planning permission is made within a period specified in the notice, further enforcement action may be taken.

(3) A copy of the notice must be served—

(a) on the owner and the occupier of the land to which it relates, and

(b) on any other person having an interest in the land, being an interest that, in the opinion of the authority, would be materially affected by the taking of any further enforcement action.

(4) The issue of an enforcement warning notice does not affect any other power exercisable in respect of any breach of planning control.]

Textual Amendments

F21 S. 172ZA inserted (25.4.2024) by Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 (c. 55), ss. 117(3), 255(3)(b) (with s. 247); S.I. 2024/452, reg. 3(d)

[F22 172A Assurance as regards prosecution for person served with notice E+W

(1) When, or at any time after, an enforcement notice is served on a person, the local planning authority may give the person a letter—

(a) explaining that, once the enforcement notice had been issued, the authority was required to serve the notice on the person,

(b) giving the person one of the following assurances—

(i) that, in the circumstances as they appear to the authority, the person is not at risk of being prosecuted under section 179 in connection with the enforcement notice, or

(ii) that, in the circumstances as they appear to the authority, the person is not at risk of being prosecuted under section 179 in connection with the matters relating to the enforcement notice that are specified in the letter,

(c) explaining, where the person is given the assurance under paragraph (b)(ii), the respects in which the person is at risk of being prosecuted under section 179 in connection with the enforcement notice, and

(d) stating that, if the authority subsequently wishes to withdraw the assurance in full or part, the authority will first give the person a letter specifying a future time for the withdrawal that will allow the person a reasonable opportunity to take any steps necessary to avoid any risk of prosecution that is to cease to be covered by the assurance.

(2) At any time after a person has under subsection (1) been given a letter containing an assurance, the local planning authority may give the person a letter withdrawing the assurance (so far as not previously withdrawn) in full or part from a time specified in the letter.

(3) The time specified in a letter given under subsection (2) to a person must be such as will give the person a reasonable opportunity to take any steps necessary to avoid any risk of prosecution that is to cease to be covered by the assurance.

(4) Withdrawal under subsection (2) of an assurance given under subsection (1) does not withdraw the assurance so far as relating to prosecution on account of there being a time before the withdrawal when steps had not been taken or an activity had not ceased.

(5) An assurance given under subsection (1) (so far as not withdrawn under subsection (2)) is binding on any person with power to prosecute an offence under section 179.]

Textual Amendments

F22 S. 172A inserted (6.4.2012) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), ss. 125, 240(2) (with s. 144); S.I. 2012/628, art. 8(b) (with arts. 9, 12, 13, 16, 18-20) (as amended (3.8.2012) by S.I. 2012/2029, arts. 2, 4)

173 F23 Contents and effect of notice. E+W

(1) An enforcement notice shall state—

(a) the matters which appear to the local planning authority to constitute the breach of planning control; and

(b) the paragraph of section 171A(1) within which, in the opinion of the authority, the breach falls.

(2) A notice complies with subsection (1)(a) if it enables any person on whom a copy of it is served to know what those matters are.

(3) An enforcement notice shall specify the steps which the authority require to be taken, or the activities which the authority require to cease, in order to achieve, wholly or partly, any of the following purposes.

(4) Those purposes are—

(a) remedying the breach by making any development comply with the terms (including conditions and limitations) of any planning permission which has been granted in respect of the land, by discontinuing any use of the land or by restoring the land to its condition before the breach took place; or

(b) remedying any injury to amenity which has been caused by the breach.

(5) An enforcement notice may, for example, require—

(a) the alteration or removal of any buildings or works;

(b) the carrying out of any building or other operations;

(c) any activity on the land not to be carried on except to the extent specified in the notice; or

(d) the contour of a deposit of refuse or waste materials on land to be modified by altering the gradient or gradients of its sides.

(6) Where an enforcement notice is issued in respect of a breach of planning control consisting of demolition of a building, the notice may require the construction of a building (in this section referred to as a “replacement building”) which, subject to subsection (7), is as similar as possible to the demolished building.

(7) A replacement building—

(a) must comply with any requirement imposed by any enactment applicable to the construction of buildings;

(b) may differ from the demolished building in any respect which, if the demolished building had been altered in that respect, would not have constituted a breach of planning control;

(c) must comply with any regulations made for the purposes of this subsection (including regulations modifying paragraphs (a) and (b)).

(8) An enforcement notice shall specify the date on which it is to take effect and, subject to sections 175(4) and 289(4A), shall take effect on that date.

(9) An enforcement notice shall specify the period at the end of which any steps are required to have been taken or any activities are required to have ceased and may specify different periods for different steps or activities; and, where different periods apply to different steps or activities, references in this Part to the period for compliance with an enforcement notice, in relation to any step or activity, are to the period at the end of which the step is required to have been taken or the activity is required to have ceased.

(10) An enforcement notice shall specify such additional matters as may be prescribed, and regulations may require every copy of an enforcement notice served under section 172 to be accompanied by an explanatory note giving prescribed information as to the right of appeal under section 174.

(11) Where—

(a) an enforcement notice in respect of any breach of planning control could have required any buildings or works to be removed or any activity to cease, but does not do so; and

(b) all the requirements of the notice have been complied with,

then, so far as the notice did not so require, planning permission shall be treated as having been granted by virtue of section 73A in respect of development consisting of the construction of the buildings or works or, as the case may be, the carrying out of the activities.

(12) Where—

(a) an enforcement notice requires the construction of a replacement building; and

(b) all the requirements of the notice with respect to that construction have been complied with,

planning permission shall be treated as having been granted by virtue of section 73A in respect of development consisting of that construction.

Textual Amendments

F23 Ss. 172-173A substituted for ss. 172, 173 (25.11.1991 for certain purposes and otherwise 2.1.1992) by 1991 c. 34, s. 5(1) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2728, art.2; S.I. 1991/2905, art.3 (subject to art. 5)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C10 S. 173: power to apply conferred (10.11.1993) by 1993 c. 28, s. 171(4)(a); S.I. 1993/2762, art. 3

C11 S. 173(10) applied (with modifications) (27.7.1992) by S.I. 1992/1562, reg. 2, Sch.

[F24 173ZA Enforcement warning notice: Wales E+W

(1) This section applies where it appears to the local planning authority that—

(a) there has been a breach of planning control in respect of any land in Wales, and

(b) there is a reasonable prospect that, if an application for planning permission in respect of the development concerned were made, planning permission would be granted.

(2) The authority may issue a notice under this section (an “enforcement warning notice”).

(3) A copy of an enforcement warning notice is to be served—

(a) on the owner and the occupier of the land to which the notice relates, and

(b) on any other person having an interest in the land, being an interest that, in the opinion of the authority, would be materially affected by the taking of any further enforcement action.

(4) The notice must—

(a) state the matters that appear to the authority to constitute the breach of planning control, and

(b) state that, unless an application for planning permission is made within a period specified in the notice, further enforcement action may be taken.

(5) The issue of an enforcement warning notice does not affect any other power exercisable in respect of any breach of planning control.]

Textual Amendments

F24 S. 173ZA inserted (6.9.2015 for specified purposes, 16.3.2016 in so far as not already in force) by Planning (Wales) Act 2015 (anaw 4), ss. 43(2), 58(2)(b)(4)(b); S.I. 2016/52, art. 5(c)

173A F25 Variation and withdrawal of enforcement notices. E+W

(1) The local planning authority may—

(a) withdraw an enforcement notice issued by them; or

(b) waive or relax any requirement of such a notice and, in particular, may extend any period specified in accordance with section 173(9).

(2) The powers conferred by subsection (1) may be exercised whether or not the notice has taken effect.

(3) The local planning authority shall, immediately after exercising the powers conferred by subsection (1), give notice of the exercise to every person who has been served with a copy of the enforcement notice or would, if the notice were re-issued, be served with a copy of it.

(4) The withdrawal of an enforcement notice does not affect the power of the local planning authority to issue a further enforcement notice.

Textual Amendments

F25 Ss. 172-173A substituted for ss. 172, 173 (25.11.1991 for certain purposes and otherwise 2.1.1992) by 1991 c. 34, s. 5(1) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2728, art.2; S.I. 1991/2905, art. 3 (subject to art. 5)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C12 S. 173A applied (with modifications) (27.7.1992) by S.I. 1992/1562, reg. 2, Sch.

S. 173A: power to apply conferred (10.11.1993) by 1993 c. 28, s. 171(4)(a); S.I. 1993/2762, art. 3

174 Appeal against enforcement notice. E+W

(1) A person having an interest in the land to which an enforcement notice relates or a relevant occupier may appeal to the Secretary of State against the notice, whether or not a copy of it has been served on him.

[F26 (2) An appeal may be brought on any of the following grounds—

(a) that, in respect of any breach of planning control which may be constituted by the matters stated in the notice, planning permission ought to be granted or, as the case may be, the condition or limitation concerned ought to be discharged;

(b) that those matters have not occurred;

(c) that those matters (if they occurred) do not constitute a breach of planning control;

(d) that, at the date when the notice was issued, no enforcement action could be taken in respect of any breach of planning control which may be constituted by those matters;

(e) that copies of the enforcement notice were not served as required by section 172;

(f) that the steps required by the notice to be taken, or the activities required by the notice to cease, exceed what is necessary to remedy any breach of planning control which may be constituted by those matters or, as the case may be, to remedy any injury to amenity which has been caused by any such breach;

(g) that any period specified in the notice in accordance with section 173(9) falls short of what should reasonably be allowed.

[F27 (2A) An appeal may not be brought on the ground specified in subsection (2)(a) if—

(a) the land to which the enforcement notice relates is in England, and

(b) the enforcement notice was issued at a time after the making of an application for planning permission that was related to the enforcement notice.

(2AA) For the purposes of subsection (2A)—

(a) an application for planning permission for the development of any land is related to an enforcement notice if granting planning permission for the development would involve granting planning permission in respect of the matters specified in the enforcement notice as constituting a breach of planning control;

(b) an application for planning permission that the local planning authority or the Secretary of State declined to determine under section 70A, 70B or 70C is to be ignored.

(2AB) But subsection (2A) does not apply if—

(a) the application for planning permission has ceased to be under consideration, and

(b) the enforcement notice was issued after the end of the period of two years beginning with the day on which the application ceased to be under consideration.

(2AC) For the purposes of subsection (2AB), an application for planning permission has ceased to be under consideration if—

(a) the application was refused, or granted subject to conditions, and, in the case of an application determined by the local planning authority, the applicant did not appeal under section 78(1)(a);

(b) the applicant did not appeal in the circumstances mentioned in section 78(2) and the application was not subsequently refused;

(c) the applicant appealed under section 78(1)(a) or section 78(2) and—

(i) the appeal was dismissed,

(ii) the application was on appeal granted subject to conditions, or subject to different conditions, or

(iii) the Secretary of State declined under section 79(6) to determine the appeal.

(2B) For the purposes of subsection (2AB), the day on which the application ceased to be under consideration is—

(a) in a case within subsection (2AC)(a), the day on which the right to appeal arose;

(b) in a case within subsection (2AC)(b), the day after the end of the prescribed period referred to in section 78(2);

(c) in a case within subsection (2AC)(c)(i), the day on which the appeal was dismissed;

(d) in a case within subsection (2AC)(c)(ii), the day on which the appeal was determined;

(e) in a case within subsection (2AC)(c)(iii) relating to an appeal under section 78(1)(a), the day on which the right to appeal arose;

(f) in a case within subsection (2AC)(c)(iii) relating to an appeal under section 78(2), the day after the end of the prescribed period referred to in section 78(2).]

[F28 (2C) Where any breach of planning control constituted by the matters stated in the notice relates to relevant demolition (within the meaning of section 196D), an appeal may also be brought on the grounds that—

(a) the relevant demolition was urgently necessary in the interests of safety or health;

(b) it was not practicable to secure safety or health by works of repair or works for affording temporary support or shelter; and

(c) the relevant demolition was the minimum measure necessary.]

[F29 (2D) An appeal against an enforcement notice may not be brought on the ground that planning permission ought to be granted in respect of a breach of planning control constituted by a matter stated in the notice, as specified in subsection (2)(a), if—

(a) the land to which the enforcement notice relates is in Wales, and

(b) the enforcement notice was issued after a decision to refuse planning permission for a related development was upheld on an appeal under section 78 (and for this purpose development is “related” if granting planning permission for it would involve granting planning permission in respect of the matter concerned).

(2E) An appeal may not be brought on the ground that a condition or limitation ought to be discharged, as specified in subsection (2)(a), if—

(a) the land to which the enforcement notice relates is in Wales, and

(b) the enforcement notice was issued after a decision to grant planning permission subject to the condition or limitation was upheld on an appeal under section 78.

(2F) For the purposes of subsections (2D) and (2E), references to a decision that has been upheld on an appeal include references to a decision in respect of which—

(a) the Welsh Ministers have, under section 79(6), declined to determine an appeal or to proceed with the determination of an appeal;

(b) an appeal has been dismissed under section 79(6A).]

(3) An appeal under this section shall be made F30 . . . —

(a) by giving written notice of the appeal to the Secretary of State before the date specified in the enforcement notice as the date on which it is to take effect; or

(b) by sending such notice to him in a properly addressed and pre-paid letter posted to him at such time that, in the ordinary course of post, it would be delivered to him before that date [F31 ; or

(c) by sending such notice to him using electronic communications at such time that, in the ordinary course of transmission, it would be delivered to him before that date.]]

(4) A person who gives notice under subsection (3) shall submit to the Secretary of State, either when giving the notice or within the prescribed time, a statement in writing—

(a) specifying the grounds on which he is appealing against the enforcement notice; and

(b) giving such further information as may be prescribed.

(5) If, where more than one ground is specified in that statement, the appellant does not give information required under subsection (4)(b) in relation to each of those grounds within the prescribed time, the Secretary of State may determine the appeal without considering any ground as to which the appellant has failed to give such information within that time.

(6) In this section “relevant occupier” means a person who—

(a) on the date on which the enforcement notice is issued occupies the land to which the notice relates by virtue of a licence [F32 . . .; and

(b) continues so to occupy the land when the appeal is brought.

Textual Amendments

F26 S. 174(2)(3) substituted (2.1.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 6(1) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2905, art.3 (subject to art. 5)

F27 S. 174(2A)-(2B) substituted for s. 174(2A)(2B) (25.4.2024) by Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 (c. 55), ss. 118, 255(3)(b) (with s. 247); S.I. 2024/452, reg. 3(e) (with reg. 7)

F28 S. 174(2C) inserted (1.10.2013) by Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (c. 24), s. 103(3), Sch. 17 para. 5; S.I. 2013/2227, art. 2(m)

F29 S. 174(2D)-(2F) inserted (6.9.2015 for specified purposes, 16.3.2016 in so far as not already in force) by Planning (Wales) Act 2015 (anaw 4), ss. 46, 58(2)(b)(4)(b); S.I. 2016/52, art. 5(c) (with art. 14)

F30 Word in s. 174(3) repealed (E.) (31.3.2003) by The Town and Country Planning (Electronic Communications) (England) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/956), art. 3 and (W.) (1.1.2005) by The Town and Country Planning (Electronic Communications) (Wales) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/3156), arts. 3, 14

F31 Word and s. 174(3)(c) inserted (E.) (31.3.2003) by The Town and Country Planning (Electronic Communications) (England) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/956), art. 3 and added (W.) (1.1.2005) by The Town and Country Planning (Electronic Communications) (Wales) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/3156), arts. 3, 14

F32 Words in s. 174(6) omitted (2.1.1992) by virtue of Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1),s. 32, Sch. 7 para. 22 (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2905, art.3, Sch. 1 (subject to art. 5)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C13 S. 174: power to apply conferred (11.3.1992 so far as to confer on the Secretary of State a power or impose on him a duty to make regulations, or make provision with respect to the exercise of any such power or duty, 1.6.1992 so far not already in force) by Planning (Hazardous Substances) Act 1990 (c. 10, SIF 123:1), s. 25(1)(b); S.I. 1992/725, arts. 2, 3

C14 S. 174 applied (with modifications) (1.6.1992) by S.I. 1992/656, reg. 18(1), Sch. 4 Pt. I

S. 174: power to apply conferred (10.11.1993) by 1993 c. 28, s. 171(4)(a); S.I. 1993/2762, art. 3

C15 S. 174 applied (with modifications) (E.) (1.6.2015) by The Planning (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/627), regs. 1(1), 15, Sch. 4 Pt. 1 (with reg. 34)

C16 S. 174(1)(2) applied (with modifications) (W.) (4.9.2015) by The Planning (Hazardous Substances) (Wales) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/1597), regs. 1(1), 16, Sch. 4 Pt. 1 (with reg. 36)

C17 S. 174(2C) transitional provisions for effects of 2003 c. 24, s. 63, Sch. 17 paras. 1-6 (2.10.2013) by The Town and Country Planning (Isles of Scilly) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/2148), arts. 1(1), 5(4)(b)

C18 S. 174(3)-(6) applied (with modifications) (W.) (4.9.2015) by The Planning (Hazardous Substances) (Wales) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/1597), regs. 1(1), 16, Sch. 4 Pt. 1 (with reg. 36)

175 Appeals: supplementary provisions. E+W

(1) The Secretary of State may by regulations prescribe the procedure which is to be followed on appeals under section 174 and, in particular, but without prejudice to the generality of this subsection, may—

(a) require the local planning authority to submit, within such time as may be prescribed, a statement indicating the submissions which they propose to put forward on the appeal;

(b) specify the matters to be included in such a statement;

(c) require the authority or the appellant to give such notice of such an appeal as may be prescribed;

(d) require the authority to send to the Secretary of State, within such period from the date of the bringing of the appeal as may be prescribed, a copy of the enforcement notice and a list of the persons served with copies of it.

(2) The notice to be prescribed under subsection (1)(c) shall be such notice as in the opinion of the Secretary of State is likely to bring the appeal to the attention of persons in the locality in which the land to which the enforcement notice relates is situated.

(3) Subject to section 176(4), the Secretary of State shall, if either the appellant or the local planning authority so desire, give each of them an opportunity of appearing before and being heard by a person appointed by the Secretary of State for the purpose.

[F33 (3A) Subsection (3) does not apply to an appeal against an enforcement notice issued by a local planning authority in England.]

[F34 (3B) Subsection (3) does not apply to an appeal against an enforcement notice issued by a local planning authority in Wales.]

(4) Where an appeal is brought under section 174 the enforcement notice shall [F35 subject to any order under section 289(4A)] be of no effect pending the final determination or the withdrawal of the appeal.

(5) Where any person has appealed to the Secretary of State against an enforcement notice, no person shall be entitled, in any other proceedings instituted after the making of the appeal, to claim that the notice was not duly served on the person who appealed.

(6) Schedule 6 applies to appeals under section 174, including appeals under that section as applied by regulations under any other provisions of this Act.

F36 [(7) Subsection (5) of section 250 of the Local Government Act 1972 (which authorises a Minister holding an inquiry under that section to make orders with respect to the costs of the parties) shall apply in relation to any proceedings [F37 in England] before the Secretary of State on an appeal under section 174 as if those proceedings were an inquiry held by the Secretary of State under section 250.]

Textual Amendments

F33 S. 175(3A) inserted (6.4.2009 for certain purposes and otherwise prosp.) by Planning Act 2008 (c. 29), ss. 196, 241, Sch. 10 para. 5 (with s. 226); S.I. 2009/400, art. 3

F34 S. 175(3B) inserted (11.11.2014) by The Town and Country Planning (Determination of Procedure) (Wales) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/2773), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 5

F35 Words in s. 175(4) inserted (2.1.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 6(2) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2905, art.3 (subject to art. 5)

F36 S. 175(7) inserted (temp.) by virtue of Planning (Consequential Provisions) Act 1990 (c. 11, SIF 123:1, 2), s. 6, Sch. 4 paras. 1, 3 (which temp. insertion falls (2.1.1992 and 6.4.2009) for specified purposes only by virtue of S.I. 1991/2698, art. 3 and S.I. 2009/849, art. 2 (with art. 3))

F37 Words in s. 175(7) inserted (6.9.2015 for specified purposes, 1.3.2016 in so far as not already in force) by Planning (Wales) Act 2015 (anaw 4), s. 58(2)(b)(4)(b), Sch. 5 para. 9; S.I. 2016/52, art. 4(a) (with art. 17)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C19 S. 175: power to apply conferred (10.11.1993) by 1993 c. 28, s. 171(4)(a); S.I. 1993/2762, art. 3

C20 S. 175(1)–(4)(6): power to apply conferred (11.3.1992 so far as to confer on the Secretary of State a power or impose on him a duty to make regulations, or make provision with respect to the exercise of any such power or duty, 1.6.1992 so far not already in force) by Planning (Hazardous Substances) Act 1990 (c. 10, SIF 123:1), s. 25(1)(b); S.I. 1992/725, arts. 2, 3

C21 S. 175(3)(6) applied (with modifications) (1.6.1992) by S.I. 1992/656, reg. 18(1), Sch. 4 Pt. I

C22 S. 175(3) applied (with modifications) (E.) (1.6.2015) by The Planning (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/627), regs. 1(1), 15, Sch. 4 Pt. 1 (with reg. 34)

C23 S. 175(3) applied (with modifications) (W.) (4.9.2015) by The Planning (Hazardous Substances) (Wales) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/1597), regs. 1(1), 16, Sch. 4 Pt. 1 (with reg. 36)

C24 S. 175(5)(7) applied (27.7.1992) by S.I. 1992/1562, reg. 2, Sch.

C25 S. 175(6) applied (with modifications) (E.) (1.6.2015) by The Planning (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/627), regs. 1(1), 15, Sch. 4 Pt. 1 (with reg. 34)

C26 S. 175(6) applied (with modifications) (W.) (4.9.2015) by The Planning (Hazardous Substances) (Wales) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/1597), regs. 1(1), 16, Sch. 4 Pt. 1 (with reg. 36)

176 General provisions relating to determination of appeals. E+W

F38 [(1) On an appeal under section 174 the Secretary of State may—

(a) correct any defect, error or misdescription in the enforcement notice; or

(b) vary the terms of the enforcement notice,

if he is satisfied that the correction or variation will not cause injustice to the appellant or the local planning authority.

(2) Where the Secretary of State determines to allow the appeal, he may quash the notice.

(2A) The Secretary of State shall give any directions necessary to give effect to his determination on the appeal.]

(3) The Secretary of State—

(a) may dismiss an appeal if the appellant fails to comply with section 174(4) within the prescribed time; and

(b) may allow an appeal and quash the enforcement notice if the local planning authority fail to comply with any requirement of regulations made by virtue of paragraph (a), (b), or (d) of section 175(1) within the prescribed period.

(4) If [F39 section 175(3) would otherwise apply and] the Secretary of State proposes to dismiss an appeal under paragraph (a) of subsection (3) [F40 of this section] or to allow an appeal and quash the enforcement notice under paragraph (b) of that subsection, he need not comply with section 175(3).

(5) Where it would otherwise be a ground for determining an appeal under section 174 in favour of the appellant that a person required to be served with a copy of the enforcement notice was not served, the Secretary of State may disregard that fact if neither the appellant nor that person has been substantially prejudiced by the failure to serve him.

[F41 (6) If at any time before or during the determination of an appeal against an enforcement notice issued by a local planning authority in England it appears to the Secretary of State that the appellant is responsible for undue delay in the progress of the appeal, the Secretary of State may—

(a) give the appellant notice that the appeal will be dismissed unless the appellant takes, within the period specified in the notice, such steps as are so specified for the expedition of the appeal, and

(b) if the appellant fails to take those steps within that period, dismiss the appeal accordingly.]

Textual Amendments

F38 S. 176(1)(2)(2A) substituted (2.1.1992) for s. 176(1)(2) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 32, Sch. 7 para.23 (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2905, art. 3, Sch. 1 (subject to art. 5)

F39 Words in s. 176(4) inserted (6.4.2009 for certain purposes and otherwise prosp.) by Planning Act 2008 (c. 29), ss. 196, 241, Sch. 10 para. 6(a) (with s. 226); S.I. 2009/400, art. 3

F40 Words in s. 176(4) inserted (6.4.2009 for certain purposes and otherwise prosp.) by Planning Act 2008 (c. 29), ss. 196, 241, Sch. 10 para. 6(b) (with s. 226); S.I. 2009/400, art. 3

F41 S. 176(6) inserted (25.4.2024) by Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 (c. 55), ss. 119(2), 255(3)(b) (with s. 247); S.I. 2024/452, reg. 3(f) (with reg. 8)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C27 Ss. 176, 177: power to apply conferred (11.3.1992 so far as to confer on the Secretary of State a power or impose on him a duty to make regulations, or make provision with respect to the exercise of any such power or duty, 1.6.1992 so far not already in force) by Planning (Hazardous Substances) Act 1990 (c. 10, SIF 123:1), s. 25(1)(b); S.I. 1992/725, arts. 2, 3

C28 S. 176 applied (with modifications) (1.6.1992) by S.I. 1992/656, reg. 18(1), Sch. 4 Pt. I

S. 176: power to apply conferred (10.11.1993) by 1993 c. 28, s. 171(4)(a); S.I. 1993/2762, art. 3

C29 S. 176 applied (with modifications) (E.) (1.6.2015) by The Planning (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/627), regs. 1(1), 15, Sch. 4 Pt. 1 (with reg. 34)

C30 S. 176 applied (with modifications) (W.) (4.9.2015) by The Planning (Hazardous Substances) (Wales) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/1597), regs. 1(1), 16, Sch. 4 Pt. 1 (with reg. 36)

177 Grant or modification of planning permission on appeals against enforcement notices. E+W

(1) On the determination of an appeal under section 174, the Secretary of State may—

F42 [(a) grant planning permission in respect of the matters stated in the enforcement notice as constituting a breach of planning control, whether in relation to the whole or any part of those matters or in relation to the whole or any part of the land to which the notice relates;]

(b) discharge any condition or limitation subject to which planning permission was granted;

F43 [(c) determine whether, on the date on which the appeal was made, any existing use of the land was lawful, any operations which had been carried out in, on, over or under the land were lawful or any matter constituting a failure to comply with any condition or limitation subject to which planning permission was granted was lawful and, if so, issue a certificate under section 191.

(1A) The provisions of sections 191 to 194 mentioned in subsection (1B) shall apply for the purposes of subsection (1)(c) as they apply for the purposes of section 191, but as if—

(a) any reference to an application for a certificate were a reference to the appeal and any reference to the date of such an application were a reference to the date on which the appeal is made; and

(b) references to the local planning authority were references to the Secretary of State.

(1B) Those provisions are: sections 191(5) to (7), 193(4) (so far as it relates to the form of the certificate), (6) and (7) and 194]

[F44 (1C) [F45 Subsection] (1)(a) applies only if the statement under section 174(4) specifies the ground mentioned in section 174(2)(a).]

(2) In considering whether to grant planning permission under subsection (1), the Secretary of State shall have regard to the provisions of the development plan, so far as material to the subject matter of the enforcement notice, and to any other material considerations.

F46 [(3) The planning permission that may be granted under subsection (1) is any planning permission that might be granted on an application under Part III.]

(4) Where under subsection (1) the Secretary of State discharges a condition or limitation, he may substitute another condition or limitation for it, whether more or less onerous.

[F47 (4A) Section 100ZA (which makes provision about restrictions on the power to impose conditions or limitations on a grant of planning permission in relation to land in England) applies in relation to conditions substituted under subsection (4) as it applies in relation to conditions imposed on a grant of planning permission to develop land which is granted on an application made under Part 3.]

(5) [F48 Where—

(a) an appeal against an enforcement notice is brought under section 174, and

(b)] the statement under section 174(4) specifies the ground mentioned in section 174(2)(a),

the appellant shall be deemed to have made an application for planning permission [F49 in respect of the matters stated in the enforcement notice as constituting a breach of planning control].

F50 [(5A) Where—

(a) the statement under subsection (4) of section 174 specifies the ground mentioned in subsection (2)(a) of that section;

(b) any fee is payable under regulations made by virtue of section 303 in respect of the application deemed to be made by virtue of the appeal; and

(c) the Secretary of State gives notice in writing to the appellant specifying the period within which the fee must be paid,

then, if that fee is not paid within that period, the appeal, so far as brought on that ground, and the application shall lapse at the end of that period.]

(6) Any planning permission granted under subsection (1) on an appeal shall be treated as granted on the application deemed to have been made by the appellant.

(7) In relation to a grant of planning permission or a determination under subsection (1) the Secretary of State’s decision shall be final.

(8) For the purposes of section 69 the Secretary of State’s decision shall be treated as having been given by him in dealing with an application for planning permission made to the local planning authority.

Textual Amendments

F42 S. 177(1)(a) substituted (2.1.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 32, Sch. 7 para. 24(1)(a) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2905, art. 3, Sch. 1 (subject to art. 5)

F43 S. 177(1)(c)(1A)(1B) substituted (27.7.1992) for s. 177(1)(c) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 32, Sch. 7 para. 24(1)(b) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1992/1630, art. 2, Sch. 1 (with art. 3(1))

F44 S. 177(1C) inserted (6.4.2012) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), ss. 123(5), 240(2) (with s. 144); S.I. 2012/628, art. 8(b) (with arts. 9, 12, 13, 16, 18-20) (as amended (3.8.2012) by S.I. 2012/2029, arts. 2, 4)

F45 Word in s. 177(1C) substituted (6.9.2015 for specified purposes, 16.3.2016 in so far as not already in force) by Planning (Wales) Act 2015 (anaw 4), ss. 44(2), 58(2)(b)(4)(b); S.I. 2016/52, art. 5(c) (with art. 14)

F46 S. 177(3) substituted (2.1.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 32, Sch. 7 para. 24(2) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2905, art. 3, Sch. 1 (subject to art. 5)

F47 S. 177(4A) inserted (1.10.2018) by Neighbourhood Planning Act 2017 (c. 20), s. 46(1), Sch. 3 para. 8; S.I. 2018/567, reg. 3(b)

F48 S. 177(5)(a)(b) and word substituted for words (6.9.2015 for specified purposes, 16.3.2016 in so far as not already in force) by Planning (Wales) Act 2015 (anaw 4), ss. 44(3), 58(2)(b)(4)(b); S.I. 2016/52, art. 5(c) (with art. 14)

F49 Words in s. 177(5) substituted (2.1.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 32, Sch. 7 para. 24 (3) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2905, art. 3, Sch. 1 (subject to art. 5)

F50 S. 177(5A) inserted (2.1.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 6(3), (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2905, art. 3 (subject to art. 5)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C31 Ss. 176, 177: power to apply conferred (11.3.1992 so far as to confer on the Secretary of State a power or impose on him a duty to make regulations, or make provision with respect to the exercise of any such power or duty, 1.6.1992 so far not already in force) by Planning (Hazardous Substances) Act 1990 (c. 10, SIF 123:1), s. 25(1)(b); S.I. 1992/725, arts. 2, 3

C32 S. 177 applied (with modifications) (1.6.1992) by S.I.1992/656, reg. 18(1), Sch. 4 Pt. I

S. 177: power to apply conferred (10.11.1993) by 1993 c. 28, s. 171(4)(a); S.I. 1993/2762, art. 3

C33 S. 177 applied (with modifications) (E.) (1.6.2015) by The Planning (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/627), regs. 1(1), 15, Sch. 4 Pt. 1 (with reg. 34)

C34 S. 177 applied (with modifications) (W.) (4.9.2015) by The Planning (Hazardous Substances) (Wales) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/1597), regs. 1(1), 16, Sch. 4 Pt. 1 (with reg. 36)

C35 S. 177(1) excluded (W.) (16.5.2017) by The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Wales) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/567), regs. 1(2), 44 (with regs. 1(4), 55(2)(3), 63, 65)

C36 S. 177(1) excluded (E.) (16.5.2017) by The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/571), regs. 1(1), 36 (with regs. 47, 70)

178 Execution and cost of works required by enforcement notice. E+W

F51 [(1) Where any steps required by an enforcement notice to be taken are not taken within the period for compliance with the notice, the local planning authority may—

(a) enter the land and take the steps; and

(b) recover from the person who is then the owner of the land any expenses reasonably incurred by them in doing so.]

(2) Where a copy of an enforcement notice has been served in respect of any breach of planning control F52 . . .—

(a) any expenses incurred by the owner or occupier of any land for the purpose of complying with the notice, and

(b) any sums paid by the owner of any land under subsection (1) in respect of expenses incurred by the local planning authority in taking steps required by such a notice to be taken,

shall be deemed to be incurred or paid for the use and at the request of the person by whom the breach of planning control was committed.

(3) Regulations made under this Act may provide that—

(a) section 276 of the M1 Public Health Act 1936, (power of local authorities to sell materials removed in executing works under that Act subject to accounting for the proceeds of sale);

(b) section 289 of that Act (power to require the occupier of any premises to permit works to be executed by the owner of the premises); and

(c) section 294 of that Act (limit on liability of persons holding premises as agents or trustees in respect of the expenses recoverable under that Act),

shall apply, subject to such adaptations and modifications as may be specified in the regulations, in relation to any steps required to be taken by an enforcement notice.

(4) Regulations under subsection (3) applying section 289 of the Public Health Act 1936 may include adaptations and modifications for the purpose of giving the owner of land to which an enforcement notice relates the right, as against all other persons interested in the land, to comply with the requirements of the enforcement notice.

(5) Regulations under subsection (3) may also provide for the charging on the land of any expenses recoverable by a local planning authority under subsection (1).

F53 [(6) Any person who wilfully obstructs a person acting in the exercise of powers under subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.]

Textual Amendments

F51 S. 178(1) substituted (2.1.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 7(1) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2905, art.3 (subject to art. 5)

F52 Words in s. 178(2) repealed (2.1.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c.34, SIF 123:1), ss. 32, 84(6), Sch. 7 para. 25, Sch. 19 Pt.I (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2905, art. 3, Sch.2 (subject to art. 5)

F53 178(6) substituted (2.1.1992) for s. 178(6)(7) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 7(2) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2905, art.3 (subject to art. 5)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C37 S. 178 applied (with modifications) (1.6.1992) by S.I. 1992/656, reg. 20(1), Sch. 4 Pt. 2

S. 178: power to apply conferred (10.11.1993) by 1993 c. 28, s. 171(4)(a); S.I. 1993/2762, art. 3

C38 S. 178: power to modify conferred (11.3.1992 so far as to confer on the Secretary of State a power or impose on him a duty to make regulations, or make provision with respect to the exercise of any such power or duty, 1.6.1992 so far not already in force) by Planning (Hazardous Substances) Act 1990 (c. 10, SIF 123:1), s. 25(1)(c) (as amended (2.1.1992) by 1991 c. 34, s. 84, Sch. 19; S.I. 1991/2905, art. 3, Sch. 2); S.I. 1992/725, arts. 2, 3

C39 Ss. 178-181 applied (with modifications) (E.) (1.6.2015) by The Planning (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/627), regs. 1(1), 15, Sch. 4 Pt. 2 (with reg. 34)

C40 Ss. 178-181 applied (with modifications) (W.) (4.9.2015) by The Planning (Hazardous Substances) (Wales) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/1597), regs. 1(1), 18, Sch. 4 Pt. 2 (with reg. 36)

Marginal Citations

M1 1936 c. 49.

[F54 179 Offence where enforcement notice not complied with. E+W

(1) Where, at any time after the end of the period for compliance with an enforcement notice, any step required by the notice to be taken has not been taken or any activity required by the notice to cease is being carried on, the person who is then the owner of the land is in breach of the notice.

(2) Where the owner of the land is in breach of an enforcement notice he shall be guilty of an offence.

(3) In proceedings against any person for an offence under subsection (2), it shall be a defence for him to show that he did everything he could be expected to do to secure compliance with the notice.

(4) A person who has control of or an interest in the land to which an enforcement notice relates (other than the owner) must not carry on any activity which is required by the notice to cease or cause or permit such an activity to be carried on.

(5) A person who, at any time after the end of the period for compliance with the notice, contravenes subsection (4) shall be guilty of an offence.

(6) An offence under subsection (2) or (5) may be charged by reference to any day or longer period of time and a person may be convicted of a second or subsequent offence under the subsection in question by reference to any period of time following the preceding conviction for such an offence.

(7) Where—

(a) a person charged with an offence under this section has not been served with a copy of the enforcement notice; and

(b) the notice is not contained in the appropriate register kept under section 188,

it shall be a defence for him to show that he was not aware of the existence of the notice.

(8) A person guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable [F55 on summary conviction, or on conviction on indictment, to a fine].

(9) In determining the amount of any fine to be imposed on a person convicted of an offence under this section, the court shall in particular have regard to any financial benefit which has accrued or appears likely to accrue to him in consequence of the offence.]

Textual Amendments

F54 S. 179 substituted (2.1.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s.8 (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2905, art.3 (subject to art. 5)

F55 Words in s. 179(8) substituted (12.3.2015) by The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (Fines on Summary Conviction) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/664), reg. 1(1), Sch. 4 para. 18(3) (with reg. 5(1))

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C39 Ss. 178-181 applied (with modifications) (E.) (1.6.2015) by The Planning (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/627), regs. 1(1), 15, Sch. 4 Pt. 2 (with reg. 34)

C40 Ss. 178-181 applied (with modifications) (W.) (4.9.2015) by The Planning (Hazardous Substances) (Wales) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/1597), regs. 1(1), 18, Sch. 4 Pt. 2 (with reg. 36)

C41 S. 179: power to modify conferred (11.3.1992 so far as to confer on the Secretary of State a power or impose on him a duty to make regulations, or make provision with respect to the exercise of any such power or duty, 1.6.1992 so far not already in force) by Planning (Hazardous Substances) Act 1990 (c. 10, SIF 123:1), s. 25(1)(c); S.I. 1992/725, arts. 2, 3

S. 179 applied (with modifications) (1.6.1992) by S.I. 1992/656, reg. 20(1), Sch. 4 Pt. 2

S. 179 applied (with modifications) (27.7.1992) by S.I. 1992/1562, reg. 2, Sch.

S. 179: power to apply conferred (10.11.1993) by 1993 c. 28, s. 171(4)(a); S.I. 1993/2762, art. 3

S. 179 restricted (E.) (13.4.2001) by S.I. 2001/1478, reg. 3(a)

C42 S. 179 amendment to earlier affecting provision S.I. 1992/656, Sch. 4 Pt. 2 (12.3.2015) by The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (Fines on Summary Conviction) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/664), reg. 1(1), Sch. 4 para. 50 (with reg. 5(1))

[F56 180 Effect of planning permission, etc., on enforcement or breach of condition notice. E+W

(1) Where, after the service of—

(a) a copy of an enforcement notice; or

(b) a breach of condition notice,

planning permission is granted for any development carried out before the grant of that permission, the notice shall cease to have effect so far as inconsistent with that permission.

(2) Where after a breach of condition notice has been served any condition to which the notice relates is discharged, the notice shall cease to have effect so far as it requires any person to secure compliance with the condition in question.

(3) The fact that an enforcement notice or breach of condition notice has wholly or partly ceased to have effect by virtue of this section shall not affect the liability of any person for an offence in respect of a previous failure to comply, or secure compliance, with the notice.]

Textual Amendments

F56 S. 180 substituted (2.1.1992 for certain purposes, otherwise 27.7.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 32, Sch. 7 para.26 (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2905, art.3 (subject to art. 5); S.I. 1992/1630, art. 2, Sch. 1 (with art. 3(1))

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C39 Ss. 178-181 applied (with modifications) (E.) (1.6.2015) by The Planning (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/627), regs. 1(1), 15, Sch. 4 Pt. 2 (with reg. 34)

C40 Ss. 178-181 applied (with modifications) (W.) (4.9.2015) by The Planning (Hazardous Substances) (Wales) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/1597), regs. 1(1), 18, Sch. 4 Pt. 2 (with reg. 36)

C43 S. 180: power to modify conferred (11.3.1992 so far as to confer on the Secretary of State a power or impose on him a duty to make regulations, or make provision with respect to the exercise of any such power or duty, 1.6.1992 so far as not already in force) by Planning (Hazardous Substances) Act 1990 (C.10,SIF 123:1),s. 25(1)(c); S.I. 1992/725, arts. 2,3

S. 180 applied (with modifications) (1.6.1992) by S.I. 1992/656, reg. 20(1), Sch. 4

S. 180: power to apply conferred (10.11.1993) by 1993 c.28, s. 171(4)(a); S.I. 1993/2762, art. 3

C44 S. 180(1)(3) applied (with modifications) (27.7.1992) by S.I. 1992/1562, reg. 2, Sch.

181 Enforcement notice to have effect against subsequent development. E+W

(1) Compliance with an enforcement notice, whether in respect of—

(a) the completion, [F57 removal] or alteration of any buildings or works;

(b) the discontinuance of any use of land; or

(c) any other requirements contained in the notice,

shall not discharge the notice.

(2) Without prejudice to subsection (1), any provision of an enforcement notice requiring a use of land to be discontinued shall operate as a requirement that it shall be discontinued permanently, to the extent that it is in contravention of Part III; and accordingly the resumption of that use at any time after it has been discontinued in compliance with the enforcement notice shall to that extent be in contravention of the enforcement notice.

(3) Without prejudice to subsection (1), if any development is carried out on land by way of reinstating or restoring buildings or works which have been [F58 removed] or altered in compliance with an enforcement notice, the notice shall, notwithstanding that its terms are not apt for the purpose, be deemed to apply in relation to the buildings or works as reinstated or restored as it applied in relation to the buildings or works before they were [F58 removed] or altered; and, subject to subsection (4), the provisions of section 178(1) and (2) shall apply accordingly.

(4) Where, at any time after an enforcement notice takes effect—

(a) any development is carried out on land by way of reinstating or restoring buildings or works which have been [F58 removed] or altered in compliance with the notice; and

(b) the local planning authority propose, under section 178(1), to take any steps required by the enforcement notice for the [F57 removal] or alteration of the buildings or works in consequence of the reinstatement or restoration,

the local planning authority shall, not less than 28 days before taking any such steps, serve on the owner and occupier of the land a notice of their intention to do so.

(5) Where without planning permission a person carries out any development on land by way of reinstating or restoring buildings or works which have been [F58 removed] or altered in compliance with an enforcement notice—

(a) he shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale, and

(b) no person shall be liable under [F59 section 179(2)] for failure to take any steps required to be taken by an enforcement notice by way of [F57 removal] or alteration of what has been so reinstated or restored.

Textual Amendments

F57 Word in s. 181(1)(a)(4)(b)(5)(b) substituted (2.1.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 32, Sch. 7 para. 27(a) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2905, art.3, Sch. 1 (subject to art. 5)

F58 Word in s. 181(3)(4)(5) substituted (2.1.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 32, Sch. 7 para. 27(b) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2905, art.3, Sch. 1(subject to art. 5)

F59 Words in s. 181(5)(b) substituted (2.1.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 32, Sch. 7 para. 27(c) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2905, art.3, Sch. 1 (subject to art. 5)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C39 Ss. 178-181 applied (with modifications) (E.) (1.6.2015) by The Planning (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/627), regs. 1(1), 15, Sch. 4 Pt. 2 (with reg. 34)

C40 Ss. 178-181 applied (with modifications) (W.) (4.9.2015) by The Planning (Hazardous Substances) (Wales) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/1597), regs. 1(1), 18, Sch. 4 Pt. 2 (with reg. 36)

C45 S. 181: power to modify conferred (11.3.1992 so far as to confer on the Secretary of State a power or impose on him a duty to make regulations, or make provision with respect to the exercise of any such power or duty, 1.6.1992 so far not already in force) by Planning (Hazardous Substances) Act 1990 (c. 10, SIF 123:1), s. 25(1)(c); S.I. 1992/725, arts. 2, 3

C46 S. 181 applied (with modifications) (1.6.1992) by S.I. 1992/656, reg. 20(1), Sch. 4 Pt. 2

S. 181 applied (with modifications) (27.7.1992) by S.I. 1992/1562, reg. 2, Sch.

S. 181: power to apply conferred (10.11.1993) by 1993 c. 28, s. 171(4)(a); S.I. 1993/2762, art. 3

182 Enforcement by the Secretary of State. E+W

(1) If it appears to the Secretary of State to be expedient that an enforcement notice should be issued in respect of any land, he may issue such a notice.

(2) The Secretary of State shall not issue such a notice without consulting the local planning authority.

(3) An enforcement notice issued by the Secretary of State shall have the same effect as a notice issued by the local planning authority.

(4) In relation to an enforcement notice issued by the Secretary of State, sections 178 and 181 shall apply as if for any reference in those sections to the local planning authority there were substituted a reference to the Secretary of State.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C47 S. 182: power to apply conferred (10.11.1993) by 1993 c. 28, s. 171(4)(a); S.I. 1993/2762, art. 3

Stop notices E+W

183 Stop notices. E+W

F60 [(1) Where the local planning authority consider it expedient that any relevant activity should cease before the expiry of the period for compliance with an enforcement notice, they may, when they serve the copy of the enforcement notice or afterwards, serve a notice (in this Act referred to as a “stop notice”) prohibiting the carrying out of that activity on the land to which the enforcement notice relates, or any part of that land specified in the stop notice.

(2) In this section and sections 184 and 186 “relevant activity” means any activity specified in the enforcement notice as an activity which the local planning authority require to cease and any activity carried out as part of that activity or associated with that activity.

(3) A stop notice may not be served where the enforcement notice has taken effect.

(4) A stop notice shall not prohibit the use of any building as a dwellinghouse.

(5) A stop notice shall not prohibit the carrying out of any activity if the activity has been carried out (whether continuously or not) for a period of more than four years ending with the service of the notice; and for the purposes of this subsection no account is to be taken of any period during which the activity was authorised by planning permission.

(5A) Subsection (5) does not prevent a stop notice prohibiting any activity consisting of, or incidental to, building, engineering, mining or other operations or the deposit of refuse or waste materials.]

(6) A stop notice may be served by the local planning authority on any person who appears to them to have an interest in the land or to be engaged in any activity prohibited by the notice.

(7) The local planning authority may at any time withdraw a stop notice (without prejudice to their power to serve another) by serving notice to that effect on persons served with the stop notice.

Textual Amendments

F60 S. 183(1)-(5A) substituted (2.1.1992) for s. 183(1)-(5) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 9(1) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2905, art.3 (subject to art. 5)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C48 S. 183: power to modify conferred (11.3.1992 so far as to confer on the Secretary of State a power or impose on him a duty to make regulations, or make provision with respect to the exercise of any such power or duty, 1.6.1992 so far not already in force) by Planning (Hazardous Substances) Act 1990 (c. 10, SIF 123:1), s. 25(1)(c); S.I. 1992/725, arts. 2, 3

C49 S. 183 applied (with modifications) (27.7.1992) by S.I. 1992/1562, reg. 2, Sch

S. 183: power to apply conferred (10.11.1993) by 1993 c. 28, s. 171(4)(a); S.I. 1993/2762, art. 3

C50 S. 183(1): functions of local authority not to be responsibility of an executive of the authority (E.)(16.11.2000) by virtue of S.I. 2000/2853, reg. 2(1), Sch. 1

184 Stop notices: supplementary provisions. E+W

(1) A stop notice must refer to the enforcement notice to which it relates and have a copy of that notice annexed to it.

(2) A stop notice must specify the date on which it will take effect (and it cannot be contravened until that date).

F61 [(3) That date—

(a) must not be earlier than three days after the date when the notice is served, unless the local planning authority consider that there are special reasons for specifying an earlier date and a statement of those reasons is served with the stop notice; and

(b) must not be later than twenty-eight days from the date when the notice is first served on any person.]

(4) A stop notice shall cease to have effect when—

(a) the enforcement notice to which it relates is withdrawn or quashed; or

(b) the [F62 period for compliance with the enforcement notice] expires; or

(c) notice of the withdrawal of the stop notice is first served under section 183(7).

(5) A stop notice shall also cease to have effect if or to the extent that the activities prohibited by it cease, on a variation of the enforcement notice, to be [F63 relevant activities].

(6) Where a stop notice has been served in respect of any land, the local planning authority may display there a notice (in this section and section 187 referred to as a “site notice”)—

(a) stating that a stop notice has been served and that any person contravening it may be prosecuted for an offence under section 187,

(b) giving the date when the stop notice takes effect, and

(c) indicating its requirements.

(7) If under section 183(7) the local planning authority withdraw a stop notice in respect of which a site notice was displayed, they must display a notice of the withdrawal in place of the site notice.

(8) A stop notice shall not be invalid by reason that a copy of the enforcement notice to which it relates was not served as required by section [F64 172]if it is shown that the local planning authority took all such steps as were reasonably practicable to effect proper service.

Textual Amendments

F61 S. 184(3) substituted (2.1.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 9(2) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2905, art.3 (subject to art. 5)

F62 Words in s. 184(4)(b) substituted (2.1.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 32, Sch. 7 para. 28(a) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2905, art.3 (subject to art. 5)

F63 Words in s. 184(5) substituted (2.1.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 32, Sch. 7 para. 28(b) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2905, art.3 (subject to art. 5)

F64 Word in s. 184(8) substituted (2.1.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 32, Sch. 7 para. 28(c) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2905, art.3 (subject to art. 5)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C51 S. 184: power to modify conferred (11.3.1992 so far as to confer on the Secretary of State a power or impose on him a duty to make regulations, or make provision with respect to the exercise of any such power or duty, 1.6.1992 so far not already in force) by Planning (Hazardous Substances) Act 1990 (c. 10, SIF 123:1), s. 25(1)(c); S.I. 1992/725, art. 2, 3

C52 S. 184 applied (with modifications) (27.7.1992) by S.I. 1992/1562, reg. 2, Sch.

S. 184: power to apply conferred (10.11.1993) by 1993 c. 28, s. 171(4)(a); S.I. 1993/2762, art. 3

185 Service of stop notices by Secretary of State. E+W

(1) If it appears to the Secretary of State to be expedient that a stop notice should be served in respect of any land, he may himself serve such a notice.

(2) A notice served by the Secretary of State under subsection (1) shall have the same effect as if it had been served by the local planning authority.

(3) The Secretary of State shall not serve such a notice without consulting the local planning authority.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C53 S. 185: power to apply conferred (10.11.1993) by 1993 c. 28, s. 171(4)(a); S.I. 1993/2762, art. 3

186 Compensation for loss due to stop notice. E+W

(1) Where a stop notice is served under section 183 compensation may be payable under this section in respect of a prohibition contained in the notice only if—

(a) the enforcement notice is quashed on grounds other than those mentioned in paragraph (a) of section 174(2);

(b) the enforcement notice is varied (otherwise than on the grounds mentioned in that paragraph) so that [F65 any activity the carrying out of which is prohibited by the stop notice ceases to be a relevant activity];

(c) the enforcement notice is withdrawn by the local planning authority otherwise than in consequence of the grant by them of planning permission for the development to which the notice relates F66 . . . ; or

(d) the stop notice is withdrawn.

(2) A person who, when the stop notice is first served, has an interest in or occupies the land to which the notice relates shall be entitled to be compensated by the local planning authority in respect of any loss or damage directly attributable to the prohibition contained in the notice or, in a case within subsection (1)(b), [F67 the prohibition of such of the activities prohibited by the stop notice as cease to be relevant activities].

(3) A claim for compensation under this section shall be made to the local planning authority within the prescribed time and in the prescribed manner.

(4) The loss or damage in respect of which compensation is payable under this section in respect of a prohibition shall include any sum payable in respect of a breach of contract caused by the taking of action necessary to comply with the prohibition.

[F68 (5) No compensation is payable under this section—

(a) in respect of the prohibition in a stop notice of any activity which, at any time when the notice is in force, constitutes or contributes to a breach of planning control; or

(b) in the case of a claimant who was required to provide information under section 171C or 330 or section 16 of the M2 Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, in respect of any loss or damage suffered by him which could have been avoided if he had provided the information or had otherwise co-operated with the local planning authority when responding to the notice.]

(6) Except in so far as may be otherwise provided by any regulations made under this Act, any question of disputed compensation under this Part shall be referred to and determined by the [F69 Upper Tribunal].

(7) In relation to the determination of any such question, the provisions of [F70 section] 4 of the M3 Land Compensation Act 1961 shall apply subject to any necessary modifications and to the provisions of any regulations made under this Act.

Textual Amendments

F65 Words in s. 186(1)(b) substituted (2.1.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1) s. 32, Sch. 7 para. 29(a) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2905, art.3 (subject to art. 5)

F66 Words in s. 186(1)(c) repealed (2.1.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), ss. 32, 84(6), Sch. 7 para. 29(b), Sch. 19 Pt.I (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2905, art.3, Schs. 1, 2 (subject to art. 5)

F67 Words in s. 186(2) substituted (2.1.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 32, Sch. 7 para. 29(c) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2905, art.3 (subject to art. 5)

F68 S. 186(5) substituted (2.1.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 9(3) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2905, art.3 (subject to art. 5)

F69 Words in s. 186(6) substituted (1.6.2009) by The Transfer of Tribunal Functions (Lands Tribunal and Miscellaneous Amendments) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1307), art. 5(1)(2), Sch. 1 para. 206(a)

F70 Word in s. 186(7) substituted (1.6.2009) by The Transfer of Tribunal Functions (Lands Tribunal and Miscellaneous Amendments) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1307), art. 5(1)(2), Sch. 1 para. 206(b)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C54 S. 186 applied (with modifications) (27.7.1992) by S.I. 1992/1562, reg. 2, Sch.

Marginal Citations

M2 1976 c. 57

M3 1961 c.33.

187 Penalties for contravention of stop notice. E+W

F71 [(1) If any person contravenes a stop notice after a site notice has been displayed or the stop notice has been served on him he shall be guilty of an offence.

(1A) An offence under this section may be charged by reference to any day or longer period of time and a person may be convicted of a second or subsequent offence under this section by reference to any period of time following the preceding conviction for such an offence.

(1B) References in this section to contravening a stop notice include causing or permitting its contravention.

(2) A person guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable [F72 on summary conviction, or on conviction on indictment, to a fine].

(2A) In determining the amount of any fine to be imposed on a person convicted of an offence under this section, the court shall in particular have regard to any financial benefit which has accrued or appears likely to accrue to him in consequence of the offence.]

(3) In proceedings for an offence under this section it shall be a defence for the accused to prove—

(a) that the stop notice was not served on him, and

(b) that he did not know, and could not reasonably have been expected to know, of its existence.

Textual Amendments

F71 S. 187(1)(1A)(1B)(2)(2A) substituted (2.1.1992) for s. 187(1)(2) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 9(4) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2905, art.3 (subject to art. 5)

F72 Words in s. 187(2) substituted (12.3.2015) by The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (Fines on Summary Conviction) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/664), reg. 1(1), Sch. 4 para. 18(4) (with reg. 5(1))

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C55 S. 187: power to modify conferred (11.3.1992 so far as to confer on the Secretary of State a power or impose on him a duty to make regulations, or make provision with respect to the exercise of any such power or duty, 1.6.1992 so far not already in force) by Planning (Hazardous Substances) Act 1990 (c. 10, SIF 123:1), s. 25(1)(c); S.I. 1992/725, arts. 2, 3

C56 S. 187 applied (27.7.1992) by S.I. 1992/1562, reg. 2, Sch.

S. 187: power to apply conferred (10.11.1993) by 1993 c. 28, s. 171(4)(a); S.I. 1993/2762, art. 3

S. 187 restricted (E.) (13.4.2001) by S.I. 2001/1478, reg. 3(a)

F73 [Breach of condition E+W

Textual Amendments

F73 S. 187A and cross heading inserted (27.7.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s.2 (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1992/1630, art. 2 (with art. 3(1))

F74 187A Enforcement of conditions. E+W

(1) This section applies where planning permission for carrying out any development of land has been granted subject to conditions.

(2) The local planning authority may, if any of the conditions is not complied with, serve a notice (in this Act referred to as a “breach of condition notice”) on—

(a) any person who is carrying out or has carried out the development; or

(b) any person having control of the land,

requiring him to secure compliance with such of the conditions as are specified in the notice.

(3) References in this section to the person responsible are to the person on whom the breach of condition notice has been served.

(4) The conditions which may be specified in a notice served by virtue of subsection (2)(b) are any of the conditions regulating the use of the land.

(5) A breach of condition notice shall specify the steps which the authority consider ought to be taken, or the activities which the authority consider ought to cease, to secure compliance with the conditions specified in the notice.

(6) The authority may by notice served on the person responsible withdraw the breach of condition notice, but its withdrawal shall not affect the power to serve on him a further breach of condition notice in respect of the conditions specified in the earlier notice or any other conditions.

(7) The period allowed for compliance with the notice is—

(a) such period of not less than twenty-eight days beginning with the date of service of the notice as may be specified in the notice; or

(b) that period as extended by a further notice served by the local planning authority on the person responsible.

(8) If, at any time after the end of the period allowed for compliance with the notice—

(a) any of the conditions specified in the notice is not complied with; and

(b) the steps specified in the notice have not been taken or, as the case may be, the activities specified in the notice have not ceased,

the person responsible is in breach of the notice.

(9) If the person responsible is in breach of the notice he shall be guilty of an offence.

(10) An offence under subsection (9) may be charged by reference to any day or longer period of time and a person may be convicted of a second or subsequent offence under that subsection by reference to any period of time following the preceding conviction for such an offence.

(11) It shall be a defence for a person charged with an offence under subsection (9) to prove—

(a) that he took all reasonable measures to secure compliance with the conditions specified in the notice; or

(b) where the notice was served on him by virtue of subsection (2)(b), that he no longer had control of the land.

(12) A person who is guilty of an offence under subsection (9) shall be liable on summary conviction—

[F75 (a) to a fine, if the land is in England, or

(b) to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale, if the land is in Wales.]

(13) In this section—

(a) “conditions” includes limitations; and

(b) references to carrying out any development include causing or permitting another to do so.]

Textual Amendments

F74 S. 187A and cross heading inserted (27.7.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s.2 (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1992/1630, art. 2 (with art. 3(1))

F75 S. 187A(12)(a)(b) substituted for s. 187A(12)(a)(b) and words (25.4.2024) by Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 (c. 55), ss. 120(1), 255(3)(b) (with s. 247); S.I. 2024/452, reg. 3(g) (with reg. 9)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C57 S. 187A: power to apply conferred (10.11.1993) by 1993 c. 28, s. 171(4)(a); S.I. 1993/2762, art. 3

C58 S. 187A: functions of local authority not to be responsibility of an executive of the authority (E.)(16.11.2000) by virtue of S.I. 2000/2853, reg. 2(1), Sch. 1

S. 187A restricted (E.) (13.4.2001) by S.I. 2001/1478, reg. 3(a)

F76 [Injunctions E+W

Textual Amendments

F76 S. 187B and cross heading inserted (25.11.1991 for certain purposes and otherwise 2.1.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s.3 (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2728, art. 2; S.I. 1991/2905, art.3 (subject to art. 5)

F77 187B Injunctions restraining breaches of planning control. E+W

(1) Where a local planning authority consider it necessary or expedient for any actual or apprehended breach of planning control to be restrained by injunction, they may apply to the court for an injunction, whether or not they have exercised or are proposing to exercise any of their other powers under this Part.

(2) On an application under subsection (1) the court may grant such an injunction as the court thinks appropriate for the purpose of restraining the breach.

(3) Rules of court may provide for such an injunction to be issued against a person whose identity is unknown.

(4) In this section “the court” means the High Court or the county court.]

Textual Amendments

F77 S. 187B and cross heading inserted (25.11.1991 for certain purposes and otherwise 2.1.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s.3 (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2728, art.2; S.I. 1991/2905, art.3 (subject to art. 5)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C59 S. 187B: power to apply conferred (10.11.1993) by 1993 c. 28, s. 171(4)(a); S.I. 1993/2762, art. 3

C60 S. 187B: functions of local authority not to be responsibility of an executive of the authority (E.)(16.11.2000) by virtue of S.I. 2000/2853, reg. 2(1), Sch. 1

Registers E+W

188 Register of enforcement and stop notices [F78 and other enforcement action]. E+W

(1) Every district planning authority [F79 , every local planning authority for an area in Wales] and the council of every metropolitan district or London borough shall keep, in such manner as may be prescribed by a development order, a register containing such information as may be so prescribed with respect—

[F80 (za) to planning enforcement orders,]

[F81 (zb) to enforcement warning notices under section 172ZA (enforcement warning notice: England),]

(a) to enforcement notices; F82 . . .

[F83 (aa) to enforcement warning notices [F84 under section 173ZA (enforcement warning notice: Wales)],]

(b) to stop notices, [F85 and

(c) to breach of condition notices]

which relate to land in their area.

(2) A development order may make provision—

(a) for the entry relating to any [F86 planning enforcement order,] enforcement notice, [F87 enforcement warning notice under section 172ZA or 173ZA], [F88 stop notice or breach of condition notice], and everything relating to [F89 any planning enforcement order or] any such notice, to be removed from the register in such circumstances as may be specified in the [F90 development] order; and

(b) for requiring a county planning authority to supply to a district planning authority such information as may be so specified with regard to enforcement notices [F91 and enforcement warning notices under section 172ZA] issued and stop notices [F92 and breach of condition notices] served by [F93 , and planning enforcement orders made on applications made by,] the county planning authority.

(3) Every register kept under this section shall be available for inspection by the public at all reasonable hours.

[F94 (4) In this section “planning enforcement order” means an order under section 171BA(1).]

Textual Amendments

F78 Words in s. 188 heading inserted (15.1.2012 for specified purposes, 6.4.2012 for specified purposes) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), ss. 124(2)(e), 240(2) (with s. 144); S.I. 2012/57, art. 4(1)(i) (with arts. 6, 7, 9-11); S.I. 2012/628, art. 8(a) (with arts. 9, 12, 13, 16, 18-20) (as amended (3.8.2012) by S.I. 2012/2029, arts. 2, 4)

F79 Words in s. 188(1) inserted (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 19, s. 20(4), Sch. 6 Pt. 2 para. 24(5) (with ss. 54(5)(7), 55(5), Sch. 17 paras. 22(1), 23(2)); S.I. 1996/396, art. 3, Sch. 1

F80 S. 188(1)(za) inserted (15.1.2012 for specified purposes, 6.4.2012 for specified purposes) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), ss. 124(2)(a), 240(2) (with s. 144); S.I. 2012/57, art. 4(1)(i) (with arts. 6, 7, 9-11); S.I. 2012/628, art. 8(a) (with arts. 9, 12, 13, 16, 18-20) (as amended (3.8.2012) by S.I. 2012/2029, arts. 2, 4)

F81 S. 188(1)(zb) inserted (25.4.2024) by Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 (c. 55), ss. 117(4)(a), 255(3)(b) (with s. 247); S.I. 2024/452, reg. 3(d)

F82 Word in s. 188(1)(a) repealed (27.7.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), ss. 32, 84(6), Sch. 7 para. 30(a), Sch. 19 Pt. 1 (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1992/1630, art. 2, Schs. 1, 2 (with art. 3(1))

F83 S. 188(1)(aa) inserted (6.9.2015 for specified purposes, 16.3.2016 in so far as not already in force) by Planning (Wales) Act 2015 (anaw 4), ss. 43(4)(a), 58(2)(b)(4)(b); S.I. 2016/52, art. 5(c)

F84 Words in s. 188(1)(aa) inserted (25.4.2024) by Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 (c. 55), ss. 117(4)(b), 255(3)(b) (with s. 247); S.I. 2024/452, reg. 3(d)

F85 S. 188(1)(c) and 'and' preceding it inserted (27.7.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 32, Sch. 7 para. 30(a) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1992/1630, art. 2, Sch. 1 (with art. 3(1))

F86 Words in s. 188(2)(a) inserted (15.1.2012 for specified purposes, 6.4.2012 for specified purposes) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), ss. 124(2)(b)(i), 240(2) (with s. 144); S.I. 2012/57, art. 4(1)(i) (with arts. 6, 7, 9-11); S.I. 2012/628, art. 8(a) (with arts. 9, 12, 13, 16, 18-20) (as amended (3.8.2012) by S.I. 2012/2029, arts. 2, 4)

F87 Words in s. 188(2)(a) substituted (25.4.2024) by Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 (c. 55), ss. 117(5)(a), 255(3)(b) (with s. 247); S.I. 2024/452, reg. 3(d)

F88 Words in s. 188(2)(a) substituted (27.7.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 32, Sch. 7 para. 30(b) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1992/1630, art. 2, Sch. 1 (with art. 3(1))

F89 Words in s. 188(2)(a) inserted (15.1.2012 for specified purposes, 6.4.2012 for specified purposes) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), ss. 124(2)(b)(ii), 240(2) (with s. 144); S.I. 2012/57, art. 4(1)(i) (with arts. 6, 7, 9-11); S.I. 2012/628, art. 8(a) (with arts. 9, 12, 13, 16, 18-20) (as amended (3.8.2012) by S.I. 2012/2029, arts. 2, 4)

F90 Word in s. 188(2)(a) inserted (15.1.2012 for specified purposes, 6.4.2012 for specified purposes) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), ss. 124(2)(b)(iii), 240(2) (with s. 144); S.I. 2012/57, art. 4(1)(i) (with arts. 6, 7, 9-11); S.I. 2012/628, art. 8(a) (with arts. 9, 12, 13, 16, 18-20) (as amended (3.8.2012) by S.I. 2012/2029, arts. 2, 4)

F91 Words in s. 188(2)(b) inserted (25.4.2024) by Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 (c. 55), ss. 117(5)(b), 255(3)(b) (with s. 247); S.I. 2024/452, reg. 3(d)

F92 Words in s. 188(2)(b) inserted (27.7.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 32, Sch. 7 para. 30(c) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1992/1630, art. 2, Sch. 1 (with art. 3(1))

F93 Words in s. 188(2)(b) inserted (15.1.2012 for specified purposes, 6.4.2012 for specified purposes) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), ss. 124(2)(c), 240(2) (with s. 144); S.I. 2012/57, art. 4(1)(i) (with arts. 6, 7, 9-11); S.I. 2012/628, art. 8(a) (with arts. 9, 12, 13, 16, 18-20) (as amended (3.8.2012) by S.I. 2012/2029, arts. 2, 4)

F94 S. 188(4) inserted (15.1.2012 for specified purposes, 6.4.2012 for specified purposes) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), ss. 124(2)(d), 240(2) (with s. 144); S.I. 2012/57, art. 4(1)(i) (with arts. 6, 7, 9-11); S.I. 2012/628, art. 8(a) (with arts. 9, 12, 13, 16, 18-20) (as amended (3.8.2012) by S.I. 2012/2029, arts. 2, 4)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C61 Ss. 178(1)–(5), (7), 179–181, 183, 184, 187, 188: power to apply conferred (11.3.1992 so far as to confer on the Secretary of State a power or impose on him a duty to make regulations, or make provision with respect to the exercise of any such power or duty, 1.6.1992 so far not already in force) by Planning (Hazardous Substances) Act 1990 (c. 10, SIF 123:1), s. 25(1)(c); S.I. 1992/725, arts. 2, 3

C62 S. 188 applied (27.7.1992) by S.I. 1992/1562, reg. 2, Sch.

S. 188 applied (with modifications) (1.6.1992) by S.I. 1992/656, reg. 21(1), Sch. 4 Pt. 3

S. 188: power to apply conferred (10.11.1993) by 1993 c. 28, s. 171(4)(a); S.I. 1993/2762, art. 3

C63 S. 188 applied (with modifications) (E.) (1.6.2015) by The Planning (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/627), regs. 1(1), 15, Sch. 4 Pt. 3 (with reg. 34)

C64 S. 188(1) applied (with modifications) (7.1.2019) by The Sustainable Drainage (Enforcement) (Wales) Order 2018 (S.I. 2018/1182), regs. 1(2), 11

Enforcement of orders for discontinuance of use, etc. E+W

189 Penalties for contravention of orders under s. 102 and Schedule 9. E+W

(1) Any person who without planning permission—

(a) uses land, or causes or permits land to be used—

(i) for any purpose for which an order under section 102 or paragraph 1 of Schedule 9 has required that its use shall be discontinued; or

(ii) in contravention of any condition imposed by such an order by virtue of subsection (1) of that section or, as the case may be, sub-paragraph (1) of that paragraph; or

(b) resumes, or causes or permits to be resumed, development consisting of the winning and working of minerals [F95 or involving the depositing of mineral waste] the the resumption of which an order under paragraph 3 of that Schedule has prohibited; or

(c) contravenes, or causes or permits to be contravened, any such requirement as is specified in sub-paragraph (3) or (4) of that paragraph,

shall be guilty of an offence.

(2) Any person who contravenes any requirement of an order under paragraph 5 or 6 of that Schedule or who causes or permits any requirement of such an order to be contravened shall be guilty of an offence.

(3) Any person guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable—

(a) on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum; and

(b) on conviction on indictment, to a fine.

(4) It shall be a defence for a person charged with an offence under this section to prove that he took all reasonable measures and exercised all due diligence to avoid commission of the offence by himself or by any person under his control.

(5) If in any case the defence provided by subsection (4) involves an allegation that the commission of the offence was due to the act or default of another person or due to reliance on information supplied by another person, the person charged shall not, without the leave of the court, be entitled to rely on the defence unless, within a period ending seven clear days before the hearing, he has served on the prosecutor a notice in writing giving such information identifying or assisting in the identification of the other person as was then in his possession.

Textual Amendments

F95 Words in s. 189(1)(b) inserted (25.9.1991) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 21 Sch. 1 para. 11 (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2067, art.3 (subject to art. 4)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C65 S. 189: power to apply conferred (10.11.1993) by 1993 c. 28, s. 171(4)(a); S.I. 1993/2762, art. 3

190 Enforcement of orders under s. 102 and Schedule 9. E+W

(1) This section applies where—

(a) any step required by an order under section 102 or paragraph 1 of Schedule 9 to be taken for the alteration or removal of any buildings or works or any plant or machinery;

(b) any step required by an order under paragraph 3 of that Schedule to be taken—

(i) for the alteration or removal of plant or machinery; or

(ii) for the removal or alleviation of any injury to amenity; or

(c) any step for the protection of the environment required to be taken by an order under paragraph 5 or 6 of that Schedule,

has not been taken within the period specified in the order or within such extended period as the local planning authority or, as the case may be, the mineral planning authority may allow.

(2) Where this section applies the local planning authority or, as the case may be, the mineral planning authority may enter the land and take the required step.

(3) Where the local planning authority or, as the case may be, the mineral planning authority have exercised their power under subsection (2) they may recover from the person who is then the owner of the land any expenses reasonably incurred by them in doing so.

F96 (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5) Section 276 of the M4 Public Health Act 1936 shall apply in relation to any works executed by an authority under subsection (2) as it applies in relation to works executed by a local authority under that Act.

Textual Amendments

F96 S. 190(4) repealed (2.1.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), ss. 32 , 84(6), Sch. 7 para. 31, Sch. 19 Pt.I (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2905, art. 3, Sch. 1, Sch.2 (subject to art. 5)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C66 S. 190: power to apply conferred (10.11.1993) by 1993 c. 28, s. 171(4)(a); S.I. 1993/2762, art. 3

Marginal Citations

M4 1936 c.49.

[F97 Certificate of lawful use or development E+W

Textual Amendments

F97 Ss. 191 - 194 substituted (25.11.1991 for certain purposes and otherwise 27.7.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 10(1) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2728, art.2; S.I. 1992/1630, art. 2 (with art. 3(1)(2))

F98 191 Certificate of lawfulness of existing use or development. E+W

(1) If any person wishes to ascertain whether—

(a) any existing use of buildings or other land is lawful;

(b) any operations which have been carried out in, on, over or under land are lawful; or

(c) any other matter constituting a failure to comply with any condition or limitation subject to which planning permission has been granted is lawful,

he may make an application for the purpose to the local planning authority specifying the land and describing the use, operations or other matter.

(2) For the purposes of this Act uses and operations are lawful at any time if—

(a) no enforcement action may then be taken in respect of them (whether because they did not involve development or require planning permission or because the time for enforcement action has expired or for any other reason); and

(b) they do not constitute a contravention of any of the requirements of any enforcement notice then in force.

(3) For the purposes of this Act any matter constituting a failure to comply with any condition or limitation subject to which planning permission has been granted is lawful at any time if—

(a) the time for taking enforcement action in respect of the failure has then expired; and

(b) it does not constitute a contravention of any of the requirements of any enforcement notice or breach of condition notice then in force.

[F99 (3A) In determining for the purposes of this section whether the time for taking enforcement action in respect of a matter has expired, that time is to be taken not to have expired if—

(a) the time for applying for an order under section 171BA(1) (a “planning enforcement order”) in relation to the matter has not expired,

(b) an application has been made for a planning enforcement order in relation to the matter and the application has neither been decided nor been withdrawn, or

(c) a planning enforcement order has been made in relation to the matter, the order has not been rescinded and the enforcement year for the order (whether or not it has begun) has not expired.]

(4) If, on an application under this section, the local planning authority are provided with information satisfying them of the lawfulness at the time of the application of the use, operations or other matter described in the application, or that description as modified by the local planning authority or a description substituted by them, they shall issue a certificate to that effect; and in any other case they shall refuse the application.

(5) A certificate under this section shall—

(a) specify the land to which it relates;

(b) describe the use, operations or other matter in question (in the case of any use falling within one of the classes specified in an order under section 55(2)(f), identifying it by reference to that class);

(c) give the reasons for determining the use, operations or other matter to be lawful; and

(d) specify the date of the application for the certificate.

(6) The lawfulness of any use, operations or other matter for which a certificate is in force under this section shall be conclusively presumed.

(7) A certificate under this section in respect of any use shall also have effect, for the purposes of the following enactments, as if it were a grant of planning permission—

(a) section 3(3) of the M5 Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960 [F100 or section 7(1) of the Mobile Homes (Wales) Act 2013;]

(b) section 5(2) of the M6 Control of Pollution Act 1974; and

(c) section 36(2)(a) of the M7 Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Textual Amendments

F98 S. 191 substituted (25.11.1991 for certain purposes and otherwise 27.7.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 10(1) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2728, art.2; S.I. 1992/1630, art. 2 (with art. 3(1)(2))

F99 S. 191(3A) inserted (6.4.2012) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), ss. 124(3), 240(2) (with s. 144); S.I. 2012/628, art. 8(b) (with arts. 9, 12, 13, 16, 18-20) (as amended (3.8.2012) by S.I. 2012/2029, arts. 2, 4)

F100 Words in s. 191(7)(a) inserted (5.11.2013) by Mobile Homes (Wales) Act 2013 (anaw 6), s. 64(1), Sch. 4 para. 6(3) (with Sch. 5 para. 7) (this amendment is to be treated as not having effect until 1.10.2014 by virtue of S.I. 2014/11, art. 3(2))

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C67 S. 191: power to apply conferred (10.11.1993) by 1993 c. 28, s. 171(4)(a); S.I. 1993/2762, art. 3

C68 S. 191 modified (1.8.2000) by S.I. 2000/1973, reg. 10(3) (with reg. 10(14))

C69 S. 191(4): functions of local authority not to be responsibility of an executive of the authority (E.)(16.11.2000) by virtue of S.I. 2000/2853, reg. 2(1), Sch. 1

Marginal Citations

M5 1960 c. 62.

M6 1974 c. 40.

M7 1990 c. 43.

F101 192 Certificate of lawfulness of proposed use or development. E+W

(1) If any person wishes to ascertain whether—

(a) any proposed use of buildings or other land; or

(b) any operations proposed to be carried out in, on, over or under land,

would be lawful, he may make an application for the purpose to the local planning authority specifying the land and describing the use or operations in question.

(2) If, on an application under this section, the local planning authority are provided with information satisfying them that the use or operations described in the application would be lawful if instituted or begun at the time of the application, they shall issue a certificate to that effect; and in any other case they shall refuse the application.

(3) A certificate under this section shall—

(a) specify the land to which it relates;

(b) describe the use or operations in question (in the case of any use falling within one of the classes specified in an order under section 55(2)(f), identifying it by reference to that class);

(c) give the reasons for determining the use or operations to be lawful; and

(d) specify the date of the application for the certificate.

(4) The lawfulness of any use or operations for which a certificate is in force under this section shall be conclusively presumed unless there is a material change, before the use is instituted or the operations are begun, in any of the matters relevant to determining such lawfulness.

Textual Amendments

F101 S. 192 substituted (25.11.1991 for certain purposes and otherwise 27.7.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 10(1) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2728, art.2; S.I. 1992/1630, art. 2 (with art. 3(1)(2))

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C70 S. 192: power to apply conferred (10.11.1993) by 1993 c. 28, s. 171(4)(a); S.I. 1993/2762, art. 3

C71 S. 192 modified (1.8.2000) by S.I. 2000/1973, reg. 10(5) (with reg. 10(14))

C72 S. 192(2): functions of local authority not to be responsibility of an executive of the authority (E.)(16.11.2000) by virtue of S.I. 2000/2853, reg. 2(1), Sch. 1

F102 193 Certificates under sections 191 and 192: supplementary provisions. E+W

(1) An application for a certificate under section 191 or 192 shall be made in such manner as may be prescribed by a development order and shall include such particulars, and be verified by such evidence, as may be required by such an order or by any directions given under such an order or by the local planning authority.

(2) Provision may be made by a development order for regulating the manner in which applications for certificates under those sections are to be dealt with by local planning authorities.

(3) In particular, such an order may provide for requiring the authority—

(a) to give to any applicant within such time as may be prescribed by the order such notice as may be so prescribed as to the manner in which his application has been dealt with; and

(b) to give to the Secretary of State and to such other persons as may be prescribed by or under the order, such information as may be so prescribed with respect to such applications made to the authority, including information as to the manner in which any application has been dealt with.

(4) A certificate under either of those sections may be issued—

(a) for the whole or part of the land specified in the application; and

(b) where the application specifies two or more uses, operations or other matters, for all of them or some one or more of them;

and shall be in such form as may be prescribed by a development order.

(5) A certificate under section 191 or 192 shall not affect any matter constituting a failure to comply with any condition or limitation subject to which planning permission has been granted unless that matter is described in the certificate.

(6) In section 69 references to applications for planning permission shall include references to applications for certificates under section 191 or 192.

(7) A local planning authority may revoke a certificate under either of those sections if, on the application for the certificate—

(a) a statement was made or document used which was false in a material particular; or

(b) any material information was withheld.

(8) Provision may be made by a development order for regulating the manner in which certificates may be revoked and the notice to be given of such revocation.

Textual Amendments

F102 S. 193 substituted (25.11.1991 for certain purposes and otherwise 27.7.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 10(1) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2728, art.2; S.I. 1992/1630, art. 2 (with art. 3(1)(2))

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C73 S. 193: power to apply conferred (10.11.1993) by 1993 c. 28, s. 171(4)(a); S.I. 1993/2762, art. 3

F103 194 Offences. E+W

(1) If any person, for the purpose of procuring a particular decision on an application (whether by himself or another) for the issue of a certificate under section 191 or 192—

(a) knowingly or recklessly makes a statement which is false or misleading in a material particular;

(b) with intent to deceive, uses any document which is false or misleading in a material particular; or

(c) with intent to deceive, withholds any material information,

he shall be guilty of an offence.

(2) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (1) shall be liable—

(a) on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum; or

(b) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or a fine, or both.

(3) Notwithstanding section 127 of the M8 Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980, a magistrates’ court may try an information in respect of an offence under subsection (1) whenever laid.]

Textual Amendments

F103 S. 194 substituted (25.11.1991 for certain purposes and otherwise 27.7.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 10(1) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2728, art.2; S.I. 1992/1630, art. 2 (with art. 3(1)(2))

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C74 S. 194: power to apply conferred (10.11.1993) by 1993 c. 28, s. 171(4)(a); S.I. 1993/2762, art. 3

Marginal Citations

M8 1980 c. 43.

195 Appeals against refusal or failure to give decision on application. E+W

(1) Where an application is made to a local planning authority for [F104 a certificate under section 191 or 192] and—

(a) the application is refused or is refused in part, or

(b) the authority do not give notice to the applicant of their decision on the application within such period as may be prescribed by a development order or within such extended period as may at any time be agreed upon in writing between the applicant and the authority,

the applicant may by notice appeal to the Secretary of State.

[F105 (1B) A notice of appeal under this section must be—

(a) served within such time and in such manner as may be prescribed by a development order;

(b) accompanied by such information as may be prescribed by such an order.

(1C) The time prescribed for the service of a notice of appeal under this section must not be less than—

(a) 28 days from the date of notification of the decision on the application; or

(b) in the case of an appeal under subsection (1)(b), 28 days from—

(i) the end of the period prescribed as mentioned in subsection (1)(b), or

(ii) as the case may be, the extended period mentioned in subsection (1)(b).

F106 (1D) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F107 (1DA) Once notice of an appeal under this section to the Welsh Ministers has been served, the application to which it relates may not be varied, except in such circumstances as may be prescribed by a development order.

(1DB) A development order which makes provision under subsection (1DA) must provide for an application which is varied to be subject to such further consultation as the Welsh Ministers consider appropriate.]

F106 (1E) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F106 (1F) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .]

(2) On any such appeal, if and so far as the Secretary of State is satisfied—

(a) in the case of an appeal under subsection (1)(a), that the authority’s refusal is not well-founded, or

(b) in the case of an appeal under subsection (1)(b), that if the authority had refused the application their refusal would not have been well-founded,

he shall grant the appellant [F108 a certificate under section 191 or, as the case may be, 192] accordingly or, in the case of a refusal in part, modify the certificate granted by the authority on the application.

(3) If and so far as the Secretary of State is satisfied that the authority’s refusal is or, as the case may be, would have been well-founded, he shall dismiss the appeal.

[F109 (3A) Where the local planning authority referred to in subsection (1) is in England, if at any time before or during the determination of an appeal under subsection (1)(a) or (b) it appears to the Secretary of State that the appellant is responsible for undue delay in the progress of the appeal, the Secretary of State may—

(a) give the appellant notice that the appeal will be dismissed unless the appellant takes, within the period specified in the notice, such steps as are so specified for the expedition of the appeal, and

(b) if the appellant fails to take those steps within that period, dismiss the appeal accordingly.]

[F110 (4) References in this section to a refusal of an application in part include a modification or substitution of the description in the application of the use, operations or other matter in question.]

(5) For the purposes of the application [F111 in relation to England] of [F112 section 288(10)(b)] [F112 sections 196(1A), 288(10)(b) and 319A(7)(d)] in relation to an appeal in a case within subsection (1)(b) it shall be assumed that the authority decided to refuse the application in question.

[F113 (5A) For the purposes of the application in relation to Wales of sections 288(10)(b) and 319B(7)(d) in relation to an appeal in a case within subsection (1)(b) it shall be assumed that the authority decided to refuse the application in question.]

(6) Schedule 6 applies to appeals under this section.

Textual Amendments

F104 Words in s. 195(1) substituted (27.7.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 32, Sch. 7 para. 32(a) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1992/1630, art. 2, Sch. 1 (with art. 3(1))

F105 S. 195(1B)-(1F) inserted (6.4.2009 for E., 30.4.2012 for W.) by Planning Act 2008 (c. 29), s. 241(3)(4), Sch. 11 para. 3 (with s. 226); S.I. 2009/400, art. 5(d); S.I. 2012/802, art. 2(b)

F106 S. 195(1D)-(1F) omitted (6.9.2015) by virtue of Planning (Wales) Act 2015 (anaw 4), s. 58(2)(a), Sch. 7 para. 7(3)

F107 S. 195(1DA)(1DB) inserted (6.9.2015 for specified purposes, 5.5.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Planning (Wales) Act 2015 (anaw 4), ss. 47(2), 58(2)(b)(4)(b); S.I. 2017/546, art. 3(b) (with art. 4)

F108 Words in s. 195(2) substituted (27.7.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 32, Sch.7 para. 32(b) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1992/1630, art. 2, Sch. 1 (with art. 3(1))

F109 S. 195(3A) inserted (25.4.2024) by Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 (c. 55), ss. 119(3), 255(3)(b) (with s. 247); S.I. 2024/452, reg. 3(f) (with reg. 8)

F110 S. 195(4) substituted (27.7.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 32, Sch. 7 para. 32(c) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1992/1630, art. 2, Sch. 1 (with art. 3(1))

F111 Words in s. 195(5) inserted (11.11.2014) by The Town and Country Planning (Determination of Procedure) (Wales) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/2773), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 6

F112 Words in s. 195(5) substituted (25.4.2024 for specified purposes) by Planning Act 2008 (c. 29), s. 241(8), Sch. 10 para. 7 (with s. 226); S.I. 2024/452, reg. 2(b)

F113 S. 195(5A) inserted (11.11.2014) by The Town and Country Planning (Determination of Procedure) (Wales) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/2773), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 6

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C75 S. 195: power to apply conferred (10.11.1993) by 1993 c. 28, s. 171(4)(a); S.I. 1993/2762, art. 3

196 Further provisions as to references and appeals to the Secretary of State. E+W

(1) Before determining F114 . . . an appeal to him under section 195(1), the Secretary of State shall, if either the [F115 appellant] or the local planning authority so wish, give each of them an opportunity of appearing before, and being heard by, a person appointed by the Secretary of State for the purpose.

[F116 (1A) Subsection (1) does not apply to an appeal against a decision of a local planning authority in England.]

[F117 (1B) Subsection (1) does not apply to an appeal to the Welsh Ministers.]

(2) Where the Secretary of State grants [F118 a certificate under section 191 or 192 on] such a reference or [F119 an appeal under section 195(1)], he shall give notice to the local planning authority of that fact.

(3) The decision of the Secretary of State on such F120 . . . appeal shall be final.

(4) The information which may be prescribed as being required to be contained in a register kept under section 69 shall include information with respect to [F121 certificates under section 191 or 192] granted by the Secretary of State.

F122 (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F122 (6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F122 (7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F123 (8) Subsection (5) of section 250 of the Local Government Act 1972 (which authorises a Minister holding an inquiry under that section to make orders with respect to the costs of the parties) shall apply in relation to any proceedings [F124 in England] before the Secretary of State on an appeal under section 195 as if those proceedings were an inquiry held by the Secretary of State under section 250.]

Textual Amendments

F114 Words in s. 196(1) repealed (27.7.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), ss. 32, 84(6), Sch. 7 para. 33(a), Sch. 19 Pt. 1 (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1992/1630, art. 2, Schs. 1, 2 (with art. 3(1))

F115 Word in s. 196(1) substituted (27.7.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 32, Sch. 7 para. 33(a) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1992/1630, art. 2, Sch. 1 (with art. 3(1))

F116 S. 196(1A) inserted (25.4.2024 for specified purposes) by Planning Act 2008 (c. 29), s. 241(8), Sch. 10 para. 8(2) (with s. 226); S.I. 2024/452, reg. 2(b)

F117 S. 196(1B) inserted (11.11.2014) by The Town and Country Planning (Determination of Procedure) (Wales) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/2773), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 7(2)

F118 Words in s. 196(2) substituted (27.7.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 32, Sch. 7 para. 33(b) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1992/1630, art. 2, Sch. 1 (with art. 3(1))

F119 Words in s. 196(2) substituted (11.11.2014) by The Town and Country Planning (Determination of Procedure) (Wales) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/2773), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 7(3) and (25.4.2024 for specified purposes) by Planning Act 2008 (c. 29), s. 241(8), Sch. 10 para. 8(3) (with s. 226); S.I. 2024/452, reg. 2(b)

F120 Words in s. 196(3) repealed (27.7.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), ss. 32, 84(6), Sch. 7 para. 33(c), Sch. 19 Pt. 1 (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1992/1630, art. 2, Schs. 1, 2 (with art. 3(1))

F121 Words in s. 196(4) substituted (27.7.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 32, Sch. 7 para. 33(d) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1992/1630, art. 2, Sch. 1 (with art. 3(1))

F122 S. 196(5)-(7) repealed (27.7.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), ss. 32, 84(6), Sch. 7 para. 33(e), Sch. 19 Pt. 1 (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1992/1630, art. 2, Schs. 1, 2 (with art. 3(1))

F123 S. 196(8) inserted (temp.) by virtue of Planning (Consequential Provisions) Act 1990 (c. 11, SIF 123:1, 2), s. 6, Sch. 4 paras. 1, 4 (which temp. insertion falls (2.1.1992 and 6.4.2009) for specified purposes only by virtue of S.I. 1991/2698, art. 3 and S.I. 2009/849, art. 2 (with art. 3))

F124 Words in s. 196(8) inserted (6.9.2015 for specified purposes, 1.3.2016 in so far as not already in force) by Planning (Wales) Act 2015 (anaw 4), s. 58(2)(b)(4)(b), Sch. 5 para. 10; S.I. 2016/52, art. 4(a) (with art. 17)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C76 S. 196: power to apply conferred (10.11.1993) by 1993 c. 28, s. 171(4)(a); S.I. 1993/2762, art. 3

F125 [Rights of entry for enforcement purposes E+W

Textual Amendments

F125 Ss. 196A - 196C inserted (2.1.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 11(1) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2905, art.3 (subject to art. 5)

F126 196A Rights to enter without warrant. E+W

(1) Any person duly authorised in writing by a local planning authority may at any reasonable hour enter any land—

(a) to ascertain whether there is or has been any breach of planning control on the land or any other land;

(b) to determine whether any of the powers conferred on a local planning authority by this Part should be exercised in relation to the land or any other land;

(c) to determine how any such power should be exercised in relation to the land or any other land;

(d) to ascertain whether there has been compliance with any requirement imposed as a result of any such power having been exercised in relation to the land or any other land,

if there are reasonable grounds for entering for the purpose in question.

(2) Any person duly authorised in writing by the Secretary of State may at any reasonable hour enter any land to determine whether an enforcement notice should be issued in relation to the land or any other land, if there are reasonable grounds for entering for that purpose.

(3) The Secretary of State shall not so authorise any person without consulting the local planning authority.

(4) Admission to any building used as a dwellinghouse shall not be demanded as of right by virtue of subsection (1) or (2) unless twenty-four hours’ notice of the intended entry has been given to the occupier of the building.

Textual Amendments

F126 S. 196A: ss. 196A - 196C inserted (2.1.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 11(1) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2905, art.3 (subject to art. 5)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C77 S. 196A: power to apply conferred (10.11.1993) by 1993 c. 28, s. 171(4)(a); S.I. 1993/2762, art. 3

C78 S. 196A: functions of local authority not to be responsibility of an executive of the authority (E.)(16.11.2000) by virtue of S.I. 2000/2853, reg. 2(1), Sch. 1

F127 196B Right to enter under warrant. E+W

(1) If it is shown to the satisfaction of a justice of the peace on sworn information in writing—

(a) that there are reasonable grounds for entering any land for any of the purposes mentioned in section 196A(1) or (2); and

(b) that—

(i) admission to the land has been refused, or a refusal is reasonably apprehended; or

(ii) the case is one of urgency,

the justice may issue a warrant authorising any person duly authorised in writing by a local planning authority or, as the case may be, the Secretary of State to enter the land.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1)(b)(i) admission to land shall be regarded as having been refused if no reply is received to a request for admission within a reasonable period.

(3) A warrant authorises entry on one occasion only and that entry must be—

(a) within one month from the date of the issue of the warrant; and

(b) at a reasonable hour, unless the case is one of urgency.

Textual Amendments

F127 196B: Ss. 196A- 196C inserted (2.1.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 11(1) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2905, art.3 (subject to art. 5)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C79 S. 196B: power to apply conferred (10.11.1993) by 1993 c. 28, s. 171(4)(a); S.I. 1993/2762, art. 3

F128 196C Rights of entry: supplementary provisions. E+W

(1) A person authorised to enter any land in pursuance of a right of entry conferred under or by virtue of section 196A or 196B (referred to in this section as “a right of entry”)—

(a) shall, if so required, produce evidence of his authority and state the purpose of his entry before so entering;

(b) may take with him such other persons as may be necessary; and

(c) on leaving the land shall, if the owner or occupier is not then present, leave it as effectively secured against trespassers as he found it.

(2) Any person who wilfully obstructs a person acting in the exercise of a right of entry shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

(3) If any damage is caused to land or chattels in the exercise of a right of entry, compensation may be recovered by any person suffering the damage from the authority who gave the written authority for the entry or, as the case may be, the Secretary of State.

(4) The provisions of section 118 shall apply in relation to compensation under subsection (3) as they apply in relation to compensation under Part IV.

(5) If any person who enters any land, in exercise of a right of entry, discloses to any person any information obtained by him while on the land as to any manufacturing process or trade secret, he shall be guilty of an offence.

(6) Subsection (5) does not apply if the disclosure is made by a person in the course of performing his duty in connection with the purpose for which he was authorised to enter the land.

(7) A person who is guilty of an offence under subsection (5) shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or a fine or both.

(8) In sections 196A and 196B and this section references to a local planning authority include, in relation to a building situated in Greater London, a reference to the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England.]

Textual Amendments

F128 S. 196C: ss. 196A- 196C inserted (2.1.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 11(1) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2905, art.3 (subject to art. 5)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C80 S. 196C: power to apply conferred (10.11.1993) by 1993 c. 28, s. 171(4)(a); S.I. 1993/2762, art. 3

[F129 Conservation areas E+W

Textual Amendments

F129 S. 196D and cross-heading inserted (1.10.2013) by Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (c. 24), s. 103(3), Sch. 17 para. 6; S.I. 2013/2227, art. 2(m)

196D Offence of failing to obtain planning permission for demolition of unlisted etc buildings in conservation areas in England E+W

(1) It is an offence for a person to carry out or cause or permit to be carried out relevant demolition without the required planning permission.

(2) It is also an offence for a person to fail to comply with any condition or limitation subject to which planning permission for relevant demolition is granted.

(3) In this section “relevant demolition” means the demolition of a building that—

(a) is situated in a conservation area in England; and

(b) is not a building to which section 74 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 does not apply by virtue of section 75 of that Act (listed buildings, certain ecclesiastical buildings, scheduled monuments and buildings described in a direction of the Secretary of State under that section).

(4) It is a defence for a person accused of an offence under this section to prove the following matters—

(a) that the relevant demolition was urgently necessary in the interests of safety or health;

(b) that it was not practicable to secure safety or health by works of repair or works for affording temporary support or shelter;

(c) that the relevant demolition was the minimum measure necessary; and

(d) that notice in writing of the relevant demolition was given to the local planning authority as soon as reasonably practicable.

(5) A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable—

(a) on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding [F130 the general limit in a magistrates’ court] or a fine or both;

(b) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or a fine or both.

(6) In relation to an offence committed before [F131 2 May 2022], subsection (5)(a) has effect as if the reference to [F132 the general limit in a magistrates’ court] were to 6 months.

(7) In relation to an offence committed before the coming into force of section 85(1) of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, subsection (5)(a) has effect as if the reference to a fine were a reference to a fine not exceeding £20,000.

(8) In determining the amount of any fine to be imposed on a person convicted of an offence under this section, the court must in particular have regard to any financial benefit which has accrued or appears likely to accrue to that person in consequence of the offence.

(9) Where, after a person commits an offence under this section, planning permission is granted for any development carried out before the grant of the permission, that grant does not affect the person's liability for the offence.]

Textual Amendments

F130 Words in s. 196D(5)(a) substituted (7.2.2023 at 12.00 p.m.) by The Judicial Review and Courts Act 2022 (Magistrates’ Court Sentencing Powers) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/149), regs. 1(2), 2(1), Sch. Pt. 1

F131 Words in s. 196D(6) substituted (28.4.2022) by The Criminal Justice Act 2003 (Commencement No. 33) and Sentencing Act 2020 (Commencement No. 2) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/500), regs. 1(2), 5(1), Sch. Pt. 1

F132 Words in s. 196D(6) substituted (7.2.2023 at 12.00 p.m.) by The Judicial Review and Courts Act 2022 (Magistrates’ Court Sentencing Powers) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/149), regs. 1(2), 2(1), Sch. Pt. 1

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C81 S. 196D transitional provisions for effects of 2003 c. 24, s. 63, Sch. 17 paras. 1-6 (2.10.2013) by The Town and Country Planning (Isles of Scilly) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/2148), arts. 1(1), 5(4)(b)

[F133 Relief from enforcement E+W

Textual Amendments

F133 S. 196E and cross-heading inserted (26.12.2023) by Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 (c. 55), ss. 121, 255(3)(a) (with s. 247)

196E Power to provide relief from enforcement of planning conditions E+W

(1) The Secretary of State may by regulations provide that a local planning authority in England may not take, or is subject to specified restrictions in how it may take, relevant enforcement measures in relation to any actual or apparent failure to comply with a relevant planning condition.

(2) The Secretary of State may make regulations under subsection (1) only if the Secretary of State considers that it is appropriate to make the regulations for the purposes of national defence or preventing or responding to civil emergency or significant disruption to the economy of the United Kingdom or any part of the United Kingdom.

(3) The power in subsection (1) may only be exercised in respect of an actual or apparent failure which occurs during a specified period of not more than one year (the “relief period”) or which is apprehended during the relief period to so occur (but see subsections (7) and (8)).

(4) A “relevant enforcement measure” is anything which may be done by a local planning authority in England for the purposes of investigating, preventing, remedying or penalising an actual or apparent failure to comply with a relevant planning condition.

(5) A relevant enforcement measure includes, in particular—

(a) the exercise of a power under—

(i) section 171BA (power to apply for planning enforcement order);

(ii) section 187B (power to apply to court for injunction);

(iii) section 196A (power to enter without a warrant);

(iv) section 196B (power to apply for, and enter under, warrant);

(b) the issue of—

(i) a planning contravention notice under section 171C,

(ii) a temporary stop notice under section 171E,

(iii) an enforcement notice under section 172,

(iv) an enforcement warning notice under section 172ZA,

(v) a stop notice under section 183, or

(vi) a breach of condition notice under section 187A.

(6) A “relevant planning condition” is a condition or limitation subject to which planning permission for development of land in England is granted, but does not include a condition under—

(a) section 90A and Schedule 7A (condition relating to biodiversity gain);

(b) section 90B (condition relating to development progress reports);

(c) section 91 (condition limiting duration of planning permission);

(d) section 92 (conditions for outline planning permission).

(7) Regulations under subsection (1) may make provision as to the treatment of an actual or apparent failure to comply with a relevant planning condition, which—

(a) starts before, but continues after, the start of the relief period, or

(b) starts during, but continues after, that period.

(8) Regulations under subsection (1) may provide that an actual or apparent failure to comply with a relevant planning condition is not to be treated as occurring during the relief period, if the failure—

(a) occurs wholly during the period, and

(b) is not remedied by a specified time after the period.

(9) Regulations under subsection (1) may make provision that, where anything relating to the taking of a relevant enforcement measure is to be or may be done by a time during the relief period, it is to be or may be instead done by a specified time after that period.

(10) Regulations under subsection (1) may—

(a) apply in relation to all, or only specified, local planning authorities in England;

(b) apply in relation to all, or only specified, relevant planning conditions;

(c) apply in relation to all, or only specified, relevant enforcement measures;

(d) prevent the taking of relevant enforcement measures indefinitely or only for a specified period of time.

(11) In this section, “specified” means specified or described in regulations under subsection (1).]