Highland Council approves revised Planning Enforcement Charter

14th May 2013

The Planning, Environment and Development Committee of the Highland Council today (15th May) approved a revised version of the Planning Enforcement Charter which details the Council’s statement of enforcement policy and procedure for dealing with breaches of planning control.

The Highland Council has powers to enforce planning controls in cases where they have been breached, such as when development is carried out without planning permission, conditions of a planning permission or original plans are not complied with, or unauthorised work is conducted on Listed Buildings or protected trees.

The Charter advises customers of:
· The powers available to the Planning Service in dealing with enforcement matters

· The Council’s policies covering enforcement action

· Guiding principles and service standards

· How to report a possible breach of planning control

· Locations of contact points

· How to make a complaint about the service, and the

· The Council’s procedure for dealing with such a complaint

The Charter has been reduced from the 20-page version produced in August 2010, to a new streamlined 12-page document which will be published on the internet, made available through public libraries in the Council’s area, and distributed via the Highland Council Service Point network.

The recent review, update and re-publishing of the Charter was conducted to conform with requirements of the Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 and follows guidance on form and content issued by the Scottish Government.

In addition to the new Charter, the Council will be improving the management and reporting of enforcement complaints and will appoint two new posts to supplement the role of the existing Enforcement Officer. This will strengthen the Council’s proactive enforcement role.

Nevertheless, the role played by the public to supplement the Council’s monitoring by alerting them to any problems remains significant. This is of particularly valuable assistance given the expansive area of the Highlands covered by the enforcement team. The Charter provides details on this process.

For more information on the enforcement process and for a PDF copy of the new Planning Enforcement Charter, go to: www.highland.gov.uk/yourenvironment/planning/planningapplications/UnauthorisedDevelopment.htm

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

Yesterday : Local Authority

Hop on Board: £2 Bus Fares Make Exploring the Highlands Easier Than Ever

£2 Bus Fare Scheme Drives Accessible and Sustainable Travel Across the Highlands With the school holidays approaching, The Highland Council is encouraging residents and visitors to make the most of the £2 single fare cap on its in-house bus services.   The initiative is helping to make public transport more accessible and affordable, particularly for families looking for low-cost ways to travel during the summer months.  

7/6/2026 : Local Authority

Apprenticeship pathways to build a future Highland workforce

Highland Council's education committee members have praised the apprenticeship programmes offering more young people the chance to learn skills and equip them for the world of work.   Foundation Apprenticeships (FAs) and Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) in Highland are growing strongly, with participation now well above national averages.  

6/6/2026 : Local Authority

The slow unravelling of a promise: why the £100 million Thurso schools project may already be drifting into delay

The announcement of a six‑week consultation on the future of Thurso High School should have been a moment of clarity — a sign that after years of discussion, Highland Council was finally ready to move from aspiration to action.  Instead, it has exposed a deeper truth about the state of capital investment in the Highlands - The numbers no longer add up.  

5/6/2026 : Local Authority

New ‘Better Off Calculator’ to support Highland residents and improve financial outcomes

The cost of living continues to place significant pressure on household finances, which affects the affordability of essential goods and services, particularly home energy, food and fuel.   As these pressures persist, access to high‑quality advice, and clear information about the financial help and support available to residents across Highland is more important than ever.  

4/6/2026 : Local Authority

Highland Council agrees to consult on major investment in Thurso schools

Highland Council’s Education Committee has (3 June 2026) agreed to launch a statutory consultation on proposals to transform education provision in Thurso.   The decision marks an important step in shaping future investment in Thurso’s schools, giving pupils, parents, staff and the wider community the opportunity to help influence how modern, high quality education provision is developed for the town.  

3/6/2026 : Local Authority

 
New Access Rangers begin patrols across Highland for the 2026 season

Last week marked the start of patrols for The Highland Council’s 2026 Seasonal Access Rangers team, a dedicated group working to promote responsible enjoyment of the Highlands natural environment.   Funded by The Highland Council, the team will play a key role in supporting visitors and local communities.  

3/6/2026 : Local Authority

Areas of Linguistic Significance - an opportunity to put Highland communities at the heart of Gaelic development

On Wednesday this week (3 June) The Highland Council is aiming to take a major step forward in strengthening its support for Gaelic, recognising the linguistic, educational, historical and cultural connections which exist right across our region.   Highland Council’s Gaelic Committee is to consider a recommendation to adopt a Highland‑wide designation as an Area of Linguistic Significance (ALS) for Gaelic under the Scottish Languages Act 2025.  

2/6/2026 : Local Authority

 
New West Highland Way route offers an improved option into Fort William

Walkers finishing the West Highland Way now have a new, scenic option as they arrive into Fort William Town Centre.   The West Highland Way is internationally recognised as one of the world’s top long-distance walks.  

2/6/2026 : Local Authority

£397, 317 Available for Community Projects in Caithness - Time To Apply

At The Highland Council’s Economy & Infrastructure committee held on 28 May 2026, members agreed the distribution of Highland Coastal Communities Funding (HCCF) allocation across the local area committees.   HCCF funding is allocated to Highland Council from the Scottish Government.  

2/6/2026 : Local Authority

Committee approves continued investment in nature restoration across Highland communities

Nature Restoration Fund update to Economy & Infrastructure Committee Members of The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting community-led projects and Council initiatives that protect and enhance the natural environment.   The Nature Restoration Fund report provided Members with an update on the Scottish Government-funded programme.