Planning enforcement

Breaches of planning controls

We can investigate breaches of planning controls where:

• building work which needs planning permission is undertaken without approval
• conditions attached to a planning condition are not complied with
• the use of a building or site is changed without planning permission
• advertisements have been erected without consent
• buildings have been demolished within a Conservation Area or Area of Townscape Character without consent
• works have been carried out to a listed building without consent
• works are undertaken to a tree protected by a Tree Preservation Order or within a Conservation Area without consent.

We will investigate complaints about breaches of planning control. Planning enforcement is a complex area and the legal processes involved can be lengthy and complicated. An instant response or resolution cannot be guaranteed.

• View our Planning Service enforcement charter 

Making a complaint

If you would like to make a complaint about a breach of planning control, please write to us at:

Belfast Planning Service
Ground Floor
Cecil Ward Building
4-10 Linenhall Street
Belfast
BT2 8BP

Or email planning@belfastcity.gov.uk

Please note that we do not investigate anonymous complaints, complaints about civil disputes or matters covered by non-planning legislation.