Planning enforcement - Print version

Search the enforcement register

You can find out if a/your house, premises or site has an enforcement notice registered against it either by searching our online enforcement register [https://planandregulatory.coventry.gov.uk/registers/index.html?fa=enforcement_register] or using our online map [/info/110/planning_applications/1333/online_planning_map] which contains information on all enforcement actions as part of the planning information displayed.

Search the register using either the address, or if you know it, the reference number. You can view a copy of the enforcement notice online.

How to report an enforcement issue

We check over 1500 enquiries a year to make sure that buildings and uses are carried out in accordance with planning permission or under permitted development [/info/487/planning_applications/1334/extending_your_house].

If you want to tell us about a development that concerns you, for example, a new building/extension or perhaps a new business that is causing you harm then complete the report a suspected planning breach online form [https://myaccount.coventry.gov.uk/service/Report_a_suspected_planning_breach].

Before making an enquiry you should check that the proposal:

• Needs planning permission
• Is controlled by the planning team.

You can check planning history and whether a property (residential) benefits from permitted development allowances by using our online map. [http://www.coventry.gov.uk/info/110/planning/1333/online_planning_map]

If you wish to continue to submit an enquiry the please complete our report a suspected planning breach online form. [https://myaccount.coventry.gov.uk/service/Report_a_suspected_planning_breach]

Please note: Some enquiries require that monitoring is undertaken to establish a pattern of use e.g. where a premises is being used for commercial purposes. In these cases, you will be asked to provide monitoring information to assist the enforcement team in their evaluation of your enquiry.

High hedges

If you have a disagreement over the height of a neighbour's hedge, you should always try and solve the problem by talking to your neighbour before contacting us. You must have tried to solve the problem yourself before we will accept a formal complaint. Advice about the process is also available from GOV.UK: High Hedges: Complaining to the Council [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/high-hedges-complaining-to-the-council].

If, once talks are finished, you still want to make a complaint you can use our online high hedge complaint form [https://myaccount.coventry.gov.uk/service/High_hedges_complaint].

Before a high hedge complaint is investigated, a fee must be paid to cover our administrative costs. This is currently £400. Payments can be made online [/payments] or by telephone on 024 7683 1109.

Over the garden hedge

The right hedge can be an ideal garden boundary but the wrong hedge may bring problems. Use this guide to help you agree what is right for you and your neighbours - Over the Garden Hedge leaflet [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/over-the-garden-hedge].

Remove old enforcement details from my property

How can I remove old enforcement details from my property/site?

You can apply to us for confirmation that an Enforcement Notice has been complied with, or to request that it be withdrawn [/downloads/download/2738/enforcement_notice_withdrawn_or_complied_with]. Unless an Enforcement Notice is withdrawn, it will be revealed during a Local Authority Land Charges Search. Without written confirmation of compliance with an Enforcement Notice you may be at a disadvantage if you subsequently wish to dispose of an interest in land the subject of an Enforcement Notice and have no evidence of compliance, particularly if the development the subject of the Enforcement Notice comprises an important part of the valuation.

What do I need to do?

The application forms should be completed [/downloads/download/2738/enforcement_notice_withdrawn_or_complied_with] and sent to us, accompanied by the relevant fee and any plans/further information as necessary to process your request.

How much does it cost?

The removal of an old enforcement notice - £250 to £500. Please follow the instructions on our enforcement page [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/info/110/planning_applications/1343/planning_enforcement/4] for details and fees that may apply.

You can pay online [/onlinepayments] or you can pay by cheque. Cheques should be made payable to Coventry City Council.

Once all necessary information has been submitted to us, the request will be validated and allocated to a case officer. An acknowledgement letter will be sent to you by post or e-mail, with details of the case officer who will deal with your request.

Officers will endeavour to deal with your request within 14 working days or 2 working days of validation depending on the service chosen. Please note that unless you provide details of a person who officers can contact in order to access the site the subject of an Enforcement Notice it may not be possible to provide a full response within the relevant timescales.

Please be aware that if the City Council declines to withdraw the Enforcement Notice or is unable to confirm that the Notice has been fully complied; or is unable to respond within the relevant timescale due to problems associated with accessing the site, the application fee paid will not be returned.