Enforcement is one of the most complex parts of the planning system. An Enforcement Charter (PDF 812Kb) is in place to ensure that adopted procedures are fair and reasonable, and that interested parties are kept informed and are made aware of what is required.
The aim of the charter is to explain how the enforcement process works, the role of the Council and the service standards it sets itself. It also explains what happens at each stage of what can be a lengthy process should developers or householders undertake work without planning permission or fail to keep to the permission they have been given.
The Enforcement Register (PDF 383Kb) holds details of all enforcement notices served by the Council.
High hedges
The High Hedges (Scotland) Act 2013 will come into force on 1 April 2014. The Act aims to provide a solution to the problem of high hedges, where neighbours have not been able to resolve the issue amicably, by providing an effective means of resolving disputes over the effects of high hedges which interfere with the reasonable enjoyment of domestic property.
The Act will give home owners and occupiers a right to apply to a local authority for a high hedge notice and empowers local authorities to make and enforce decisions in relation to high hedges in their local area. A guide can be found on the Scottish Government website and the High Hedges application form can be found on the Scottish Government e-planning forms page: