Above: It is important to note that, while you may encounter them in an emotive situation, planning enforcement officers are here to help you. They will respond to constructive communication
SAI THAW KYAR /
SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
Most people carrying out a home build will never hear from their local planning enforcement team. They will have obtained planning permission before starting work, made sure that they have discharged any planning conditions and built out their extension or new property exactly as shown on the approved plans. If they tweak the design, they run it past the planners first. They imagine that it is mostly dodgy developers who get into trouble.
But it is a mistake to be complacent, as it is surprisingly easy to run into enforcement problems without intending to break the rules – and the consequences can be very serious. As a planning consultant, I represent dozens of clients every year who face the prospect of demolishing part or all of their home. It can be a very costly experience.