DISCLAIMER:
This duty is currently under review and has not yet been formally signed off by the relevant professional association. The information provided is for reference only and should not be treated as final or authoritative guidance. Please verify any decisions against approved sources or seek professional advice. Updates will be published once sign-off is complete.
Simple terms explainer
Councils can take action when building or development work is carried out without planning permission or does not comply with approved plans. This includes issuing enforcement notices requiring changes or removal of unauthorised development, serving stop notices to halt ongoing work, and taking legal action where necessary. The purpose of enforcement is to resolve breaches of planning control in a way that is proportionate and in the public interest, rather than to punish. Councils are not legally required to act on every breach, but they have the authority to do so when appropriate.
Legal status
Discretionary
Duty category
Planning
Duty type
Public facing
Social determinant of health
Neighbourhood and environment
Emerging policy and legislation
1
National bodies with shared interest
Heads of Planning Scotland (HOPS)
Standards and frameworks
1