TAN 9 - Enforcement of Planning Control - 1997

This TAN observes that planning regulates the development and use of land in the public interest and that decisions about whether to take enforcement action against unauthorised development is taken on the same basis.

It also says that the fact that enforcement action is discretionary and should be used only as a last resort and when expedient, should not be taken as condoning the wilful breach of planning controls. The decisive issue is whether the public interest is affected. Various scenarios are rehearsed in the guidance, including what should happen where there is unauthorised development which is acceptable or would be so with conditions attached or would be so on another site.

The particular matter of unauthorised development by private householders is covered and problems relating to mineral extraction and waste control are discussed.

View 'Technical Advice Note 9: Enforcement of Planning Control - 1997' here (DOC 62kb).