Planning enforcement

What is planning enforcement?

Planning enforcement deals with breaches of planning rules. Examples of these include:

  • where building work is done without the required planning permission.
  • where planning conditions have not been met
  • where a site's use has changed without planning permission.

Before you submit a report

There are some breaches that we can investigate. But there are also some breaches we cannot investigate.

Before you submit a report, visit our planning applications page. You will be able to find out more information about a certain application. Such as:

  • if approval for a development has already been given. 
  • if the property is a Permitted development.

Permitted developments

Permitted developments do not need planning permission. You can check if the development meets the criteria under Permitted development.

Some issues may be handled by Environmental Health, Building Control, or Highways. In these cases, you may be directed to the relevant service area. For more information, see our planning enforcement policy.

Enforcement Notice Register (ENR)

If you can't find approval for the work you wish to report, check our ENR. The breach may have already been reported and we may be investigating it. Visit our ENR to view:

  • notices relating to enforcement notices
  • stop notices
  • breach of conditions notices. 

For written proof that you fixed the breach in the ENR, email: planningenforcement@harrow.gov.uk.

Report a suspected breach of planning rules

If after you have checked our planning application pages and ENR, you can submit a report online. You will need to tell us:

  • the address of the breach or location of the land 
  • a description of the breach or problem 
  • when the activity started
  • how it’s affecting you or your property 
  • the names and addresses of any owners, occupiers or companies involved 
  • your contact details so we can keep you updated
  • evidence must be uploaded in PDF format.

Reporting a suspected planning breach

To report a suspected planning breach you will need to:

  • Select the button below
  • Sign in to your MyHarrow Account
  • Select the option: Planning
  • Select the option: Submit enforcement

Report a planning breach

What happens next?

  • We will keep your details confidential. We won't disclose them without your permission.
  • You will get an acknowledgement with case details. It will include a reference number and the name of the person handling your enquiry.
  • We will investigate the report. Then, we will inform you if we find a breach of planning rules and what action, if any, we may take.

Confidentiality 

It is important that you feel confident reporting planning breaches to us. With that in mind: 

  • We won't share your details with third parties without your consent.
  • Your identity will be kept confidential unless we are required by law to release the information.
  • If a case goes to formal action, we may need evidence from the complainant as part of its case. In such cases, we will usually ask the complainant to make a statement.  Anonymous complaints will not usually be followed up.

Have you had a report made against you?

If we find that you have breached planning rules, we will write to you. We will tell you of this and instruct you on how to fix it.

You can appeal enforcement notices served by us. You should submit your appeal before the date the enforcement notice takes effect. For more information, see the guidance on GOV.UK.