Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Cabinet has endorsed a new Local Enforcement Plan following a public consultation exercise. The updated plan sets out a clearer and more transparent approach to tackling breaches of planning control across the District.

The updated plan replaces the 2021 version and reflects increased demand on the service, alongside feedback from Councillors, residents, and parish councils gathered through consultation and workshops.

The plan introduces a strengthened prioritisation system to focus resources on the most serious cases:

• Urgent cases: site visit within 1 working day
• Level 1 cases: within 10 working days
• Level 2 cases: within 20 working days

This ensures that harmful breaches, particularly those affecting heritage, the environment, or public amenity are addressed quickly and effectively.

The District Council will continue to take a balanced approach, seeking to resolve issues through negotiation where appropriate and using formal enforcement powers when justified and necessary.

The District Council has access to a comprehensive range of statutory enforcement powers, and serious or persistent breaches of planning control will be addressed through the most robust formal enforcement action.

Councillor George Cowcher, Deputy Leader at Stratford-on-Avon District Council, said: "The new framework will help protect the District's environment, heritage, and communities, while making best use of resources. It also supports greater consistency in enforcement decisions and reduces the risk of challenge."