THE way suspected breaches of planning rules are reported and processed in South Northamptonshire has just been simplified.
South Northamptonshire Council (SNC) has launched an updated Local Enforcement Plan (formerly Planning Enforcement Policy), which provides greater clarity and guidance on the planning enforcement process in the district.
Cllr Phil Bignell, SNC’s portfolio holder for planning, said: “The aim of planning enforcement is to deal with suspected breaches of planning control in an effective, proportionate, consistent and helpful manner.
“The plan facilitates this by outlining the rationale behind the decision-making process and timescales for dealing with enquiries.”
A new online form will also speed up the process through which breaches are processed.
Cllr Bignell added: “Instead of sending multiple emails or calling the Planning Department several times, those using the online form will be walked step-by-step through all the information the council requires.
“There are those who are not able to go online, so we are keeping phone lines open.
“But going online can be done at your own convenience and you can be certain your complaint can be dealt with from the outset.”
To report a suspected breach of planning control, visit www.southnorthants.gov.uk/Planning-Enforcement-Online.
Anyone wishing to report a breach via email will be redirected to the online form.
Those who do not have access to the internet can call the Development Management team on 01327 322237 who will then populate the form on their behalf over the phone.
To view the Local Enforcement Plan, visit bit.ly/SNLocalEnforcementPlan
