Planning legislation gives councils enforcement powers to deal with a range of unauthorised land use activities. These generally involve the failure to obtain planning consent in advance of carrying out works or changes of use on land or to property, or failure to comply with a condition of a planning consent.

The new Enforcement Charter (2022) will provide greater clarity and certainty for customers who raise concerns about unauthorised development and works in Fife. It clearly sets what the planning enforcement can and cannot address and will improve the efficiency in the processing and handling of enforcement complaints received by the Planning Service as well as greater certainty for those subject to investigations.

Pam Ewen, head of planning, Fife Council, said: “Fife Council Planning Service is pleased to confirm that the latest version of its Enforcement Charter has been approved by the Economy Tourism Strategic Planning and Transportation Sub Committee.

“This latest version of the Enforcement Charter 2022 confirms the commitment of the Planning Service to deliver effective enforcement activity to ensure that the built and natural environment of Fife is protected.”

She added: “Throughout the Charter we set out our service standards which customers of the service can expect. The Charter sets out how to raise planning enforcement enquiries with the Planning Service through our online form, as well as providing clarity on issues that are not planning issues that the planning enforcement process can investigate.

“The Charter sets out how we assess the risks and harm associated with unauthorised work and confirms how we make the judgement as to what is an appropriate and proportionate response to any unauthorised development.”