Planning Enforcement Appeals

If you’ve received an Enforcement Notice (or you’re facing imminent enforcement action), you may have a right to appeal to the Planning Inspectorate. The stakes are high: compliance deadlines, criminal liability for non-compliance, and significant costs if matters escalate.

Cedar Planning Ltd supports homeowners, landowners, and businesses across England with enforcement notice appeals—acting quickly to protect your position, assemble the right evidence, and present a clear, persuasive case.

Need urgent advice? Enforcement timetables can be tight. We can review your notice and advise on options, timescales, and strategy.

What is an enforcement notice appeal?

An enforcement notice appeal is a formal challenge to an enforcement notice, submitted to the Planning Inspectorate (PINS). Depending on the circumstances, an appeal can:

• Quash (cancel) the notice

• Vary the requirements (reduce what you must do)

• Extend compliance periods

• Secure planning permission (in some cases)

• Confirm that no breach has occurred, or that enforcement is out of time

When should you consider an enforcement appeal?

You might consider an appeal if:

• The notice is factually wrong (what it says you did isn’t accurate)

• The alleged breach is lawful (e.g., permitted development)

• The breach is immune from enforcement due to time limits

• The requirements are excessive, unclear, or not reasonable

• You want to seek planning permission to regularise development/use

• You need more time to comply safely and practically

Common types of enforcement cases we help with

• Unauthorised changes of use (including mixed uses)

• Development carried out without permission

• Alleged breaches of planning conditions

• Outbuildings, extensions, and operational development disputes

• Commercial yards, storage, and alleged intensification

• Residential occupation disputes (including alleged HMOs)

• Land levels, engineering works, and hardstanding

• Matters involving Certificates of Lawfulness alongside enforcement strategy

Our approach: fast, evidence-led, and geared to results

Enforcement work is rarely just “form filling”. It’s about strategy.

We typically:

• Review the notice and planning history immediately

• Identify the strongest grounds of appeal (and which to avoid)

• Advise whether a planning application or certificate should run alongside the appeal

• Prepare a clear appeal statement with policy analysis and planning balance

• Assemble a robust evidence bundle (photos, plans, records, witness statements)

• Manage submissions and responses to the Planning Inspectorate

• Where helpful, support negotiation with the Council to resolve matters

Why Cedar Planning Ltd?

• Specialist focus on planning argument + evidence

• Clear, practical advice

• Qualified Planning Consultants: RTPI-accredited professionals with in-depth policy knowledge.

• Experience dealing with Council enforcement teams and PINS processes

• National coverage, with strong East of England and London presence

Email Cedar Planning Ltd to arrange an enforcement notice review.

Planning Enforcement Appeal Enquiry

Use the form below with your enquiry and we will be in touch.