What happens if unauthorised activity is not reported?
As the authority cannot ‘police’ the district it relies on persons to report any concerns they have about uses and development taking place. Without the intervention of the Local Planning Authority (LPA) immunity from enforcement action can be acquired after a period of time has elapsed. This is referred to as the Four Year Rule and Ten Year Rule and is applicable as follows: Four years – development (i.e. building works) that is substantially complete; or the use of a building, or part of a building, as a dwelling house.
