” … Councils and other planning authorities need to act more decisively when taking enforcement action against planning breaches in order to maintain control of the built environment, the local government ombudsman has said.
Publishing a report examining a case where a man complained that Hackney Council spent more than five years trying unsuccessfully to get his neighbour to remove an unauthorised extension, Jane Martin said all authorities must ensure effective enforcement measures are taken.
Planning authorities must keep track of enforcement action, and follow through when they promise to act in order for the system to function, she stated.
The report highlighted problems that can occur when councils do not take decisive enforcement action or keep neighbours up-to-date on progress. …
http://www.publicfinance.co.uk/news/2016/06/ombudsman-urges-councils-take-firm-action-planning-breaches
East Devon Watch 