What the Council can do about unauthorised development
The Council is empowered to take enforcement action where there is clear evidence of a breach of planning control.
The Council may:
- permit a retrospective planning application in situations where permission has not been sought;
- serve an enforcement notice requiring things to be put back as they were or as are required by any extant permission.
There is a right of appeal but, if the appeal is dismissed, offenders may be prosecuted. Undertaking works to listed buildings without consent is a criminal offence. People who do this may be imprisoned and/or fined a large amount.
Unlawful development revealed by solicitors’ searches may make a property more difficult to sell and/or reduce its market value.
Enforcement of the planning regulations
Initially, the Council would normally seek the voluntary cooperation of the person(s) responsible. Normally, it is only if this approach fails that the Council would issue an enforcement notice requiring compliance with specified conditions.
Click the link for further information about the Council’s approach to planning enforcement.
What should I do if I think a breach of planning control is taking place?
You may contact us with details of any assumed breach of planning control by completing our online Planning Enforcement Complaint form or contacting us by email: contactus@epsom-ewell.gov.uk or calling 01372 732000.