To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what steps he is taking to prevent applicants from deliberately carrying out works prior to then seeking retrospective planning permission; and if he will bring forward legislative proposals to tackle that matter.
Answered on
14 January 2022
The Government is clear that unauthorised development is unacceptable and unfair to the majority who abide by the rules. It is also important that where people have made a genuine mistake, or where the development does not harm the amenity of the area, there is an opportunity to rectify the situation by submitting a retrospective planning application.
We are continuing to consider the best way forward for planning reforms, including how it can support planning enforcement. An announcement on next steps will be made shortly.