Stratford-on-Avon District Council is targeting significant improvements in the delivery of its enforcement services backed by a new Local Enforcement Plan (LEP) and wants your views.
As a local planning authority Stratford-on-Avon District Council has the responsibility for taking enforcement action, whenever necessary. Enforcement officers diligently investigate a range of violations including unauthorised building work, non-compliance with planning conditions, and unauthorised changes to building or land use.
Whilst the enforcement role is discretionary, the District Council is committed to taking formal action where serious breaches of planning control have been identified and a negotiated outcome cannot be achieved. The District Council is committed to proportionate, timely and decisive action, ensuring accountability among those responsible.
The Local Enforcement Plan is a document which is fundamental to our commitment to maintaining high performance and advancing cases involving the most serious breaches of planning control as a priority, thereby safeguarding our community's interests.
This draft LEP has been reviewed and amended following a workshop with District Councillors and now provides greater clarity on the prioritisation of enforcement cases which will be investigated by the enforcement team. It also sets out where the District Council will decline to investigate if evidence is insufficient, the breach falls outside identified categories, or no planning harm is demonstrated.
Have your say
The plan is now out for consultation via the following link: Local Enforcement Plan Consultation | Stratford-on-Avon District Council and comments should be made by 12noon on 4 March 2026.
During the six-week consultation, the District Council will be engaging with the community and stakeholders to gather comments on the draft plan which will shape the way planning enforcement is delivered in the District.
Cllr George Cowcher, Planning Portfolio says: "Enforcement of planning laws is essential if we are to have a credible and robust planning system and Stratford District Council is committed to ensuring a fair and effective system that works for everyone.
"We are giving implementation and enforcement a much higher priority and focusing resources on serious breaches that have the potential to cause significant planning harm if left uncontrolled. The Revised Local Enforcement Plan aims to strengthen confidence in the process and help to protect the character and integrity of our communities.
"Anyone with an interest in helping to better target the Council's actions is encouraged to respond to the consultation which runs until 4 March."
Following the consultation, all the responses received will be reviewed, and any revisions will be made before the final version is adopted.
