Planning Enforcement: Have Your Say

We're inviting residents, developers, and community groups to help shape our Planning Enforcement Plan- a document that sets out how the Council manages and investigates breaches of planning control.

The survey closes on the 30th June

We would love to chat in person with you! Our Team will be at Hounslow House in the main foyer between 2pm-4pm on Tuesday the 20th May 2025 to answer all your questions!

What is a Planning Enforcement Plan?

A Planning Enforcement Plan provides guidance on how the Council handles planning enforcement. It explains the enforcement powers available to us and outlines what residents can expect from our Planning Enforcement Team.

It’s a key tool in ensuring the planning system is fair, transparent, and trusted by everyone in the borough.

Why are we developing this Plan?

Our goal is to create a clear and accessible Plan so that everyone involved in planning — including residents, developers, and interest groups - understands how we deal with enforcement matters.

We want to make sure residents clearly understand what planning enforcement is, how it works, and how to report a potential breach.

What does the Planning Enforcement Team do?

The team investigates breaches of planning control — for example, building without planning permission, failing to follow approved plans, or not complying with planning conditions.

While planning enforcement is not a statutory duty, most councils across the country carry it out because it underpins confidence in the planning system. In Hounslow, our team handles around 1,200 complaints each year.

The team works with property owners and developers to understand whether a breach has occurred and to resolve it. Formal enforcement action is a last resort and is only taken when necessary and in the public interest.

It’s important to note:

• A breach of planning control is not a criminal offence in most cases.

• The aim is to resolve issues, not to punish.

• Investigations are evidence-based and not initiated without a clear complaint.

What types of issues do we investigate?

The team investigates a wide range of planning matters, including but not limited to:

• Unauthorised household extensions or new buildings

• Change of use (e.g. converting a house into flats)

• Display of adverts without consent

• Works to listed buildings

• Removal of protected trees or trees in conservation areas

• Illegal developments in the Green Belt or on Metropolitan Open Land

• Non-compliance with planning conditions or Section 106 agreements

• Targeting criminal landlords operating outside planning rules

What we don’t investigate

Our team can only act on matters of planning law where there is a demonstrable public interest. We do not investigate:

• Anonymous allegations without supporting evidence

• Boundary disputes between neighbours

• Property or land ownership issues

• Complaints that have already been resolved

• Private legal matters like covenants or trespass

• Malicious or repetitive complaints

• Property value disputes or business competition

• Unsafe building practices (covered by Building Control)

• Obstruction of highways

• Right-to-light or fencing law matters

Who is affected by this Plan?

Planning enforcement affects many people — from residents concerned about nearby developments to developers needing to meet planning requirements. Community and amenity groups also play an important role in ensuring developments are appropriate and lawful.

We want to hear from all of you.

Have Your Say

Help us shape a better Planning Enforcement Plan.

Please take a moment to read our draft Planning Enforcement Plan in the right hand side widget.

Take our short survey below – it only takes around 10 minutes.
If you need an accessible version (e.g., large print, Easy Read, Braille) or would like a paper copy, please email: planningenforcement@hounslow.gov.uk

Paper copies of all consultations and surveys are available in your local library.