Property Planning Permission + Building Regulations

Question 1

What are the enforcement time limits for planning breaches before 25 April 2024?

Answer 1

• 4 years – operational development or use as single dwelling
• 10 years – all other breaches (e.g. condition, other use)

🧠 Mnemonic: “4 for builds and beds. 10 for everything else.”

⏳ Time runs from date of completion or breach, not from when LA finds out.

Question 2

What are the main planning enforcement notices and what does each one do?

Answer 2

Enforcement Notice
 * Requires remedy of a breach (e.g. demolish, stop use)
 * Can be appealed
 * Failure to comply = criminal offence

Stop Notice
 * Temporarily halts activities before enforcement notice takes effect
 * Used in urgent cases
 * Criminal offence to breach

Breach of Condition Notice (BCN)
 * Used for failure to comply with a planning condition
 * No appeal right
 * Must comply within time stated

Question 3

What is the time limit for all planning breaches completed on or after 25 April 2024?

Answer 3

10 years for all breaches, regardless of type