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 must explain how they enforce planning rules, especially when developments happen without permission. They do this by publishing a Planning Enforcement Charter, which sets out how they deal with breaches, what action they may take, and what people can expect if they report a problem. The charter helps make the enforcement process clear, fair, and transparent for developers, landowners, and the public.
Legal status
Statutory
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