Introduction
In December 2024 the National Planning Policy Framework (“the NPPF”) was updated to take account of changes within the planning system since the original framework was published in March 2012. In addition, in 2024, certain provisions in the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 (LURA) came into effect which changed Planning Enforcement powers. Dartford Borough Council (the Council), (as local planning authority has reviewed and updated its planning enforcement procedures to reflect these changes.
Paragraph 60 of the NPPF states:
“Effective enforcement is important to maintain public confidence in the planning system. Enforcement action is discretionary, and local planning authorities should act proportionately in responding to suspected breaches of planning control. They should consider publishing a local enforcement plan to manage enforcement proactively, in a way that is appropriate to their area. This should set out how they will monitor the implementation of planning permissions, investigate alleged cases of unauthorised development and take action where appropriate”.
This local enforcement plan describes the purpose of the Council’s planning enforcement service and how that service will be delivered to the residents of the Borough of Dartford. This local enforcement plan aims to provide an efficient enforcement service, which is focused on protecting the community against harmful development in a way that is clear, consistent and proportionate to the harm being caused by any breaches identified. In developing this local enforcement plan, the Council had regard to the Regulators’ Code 2014 that is to be proportionate, accountable, consistent, transparent and targeted