Planning enforcement

Newham’s Planning Enforcement Team investigate a range of breaches of planning control.

Examples of what we can investigate and enforce:

• Building or engineering works without permission
• Changing the use of the land or buildings without permission
• Not meeting planning conditions
• Working on a Listed Building without consent
• Displaying advertisements without consent
• Land or buildings which have, due to their condition over time, become a problem for local people or businesses – for example: vandalised, abandoned, or derelict buildings

In deciding whether to take action, we use the Government’s Planning Practice Guidance and our own Planning Enforcement Guide

Things planning enforcement can't help you with 

Boundary or party-wall disputes

For example, where there is a shared boundary and new development intrudes onto land next door. These are civil matters, and therefore the Council cannot resolve these types of issues. Contact Citizens Advice for more information.

Damage or works to trees on the highway

Council-owned trees on the public highway are not monitored or managed by the Planning Department. To report concerns with any tree on the public highway, please contact ENV-greenspace.enquiries@newham.gov.uk

Blocked or restricted access to driveways

This type of problem might involve a shared driveway or private access road. It is illegal to block a highway of any kind and if you see this kind of behaviour, contact the Metropolitan Police.

Blocked or restricted access to shared alleyways

Where any alleyway is privately owned, any restriction of access is a civil matter. Civil matters can only be resolved between the relevant parties – either directly or through appointment of an agent or solicitor.

Building over utilities infrastructure

The Council does not manage the utilities infrastructure within the borough. To raise concern of development occurring over existing utilities infrastructure, please contact the relevant utility provider.