Planning enforcement and breaches of planning control

Read about how the council tackles breaches of planning control and report any concerns you may have about ongoing planning breaches.

What can be considered as a breach of planning control

The council has powers to investigate and take action, when considered necessary, for:

  • building works, including the erection, extension, alteration or demolition of a building
  • change of use of land or buildings
  • breach of planning conditions
  • untidy land and buildings
  • works to listed buildings
  • works to trees protected by tree preservation orders or works to trees in conservation areas
  • advertising signs on private land
  • houses of multiple occupation where there are more than 7 people residing at the property.

How the council deals with breaches of planning control

Councils are encouraged to produce a Local Enforcement Plan to set out how they will manage enforcement proactively and respond to breaches of planning control.

The Enforcement Plan for East Riding of Yorkshire Council's Planning and Development Management Service sets out how planning enforcement is delivered and the principles adhered to control harmful development and to maintain trust in the planning system. The plan encompasses all of Planning and Development Management Services functions including protected trees and listed buildings. Find out more via the link below:

Planning Enforcement Plan Update 2026

Planning Enforcement Plan

The Planning Enforcement Plan sets out how the council investigates and responds to breaches of planning control. This is available as a PDF download below:

Planning Enforcement Plan 2019 (pdf 308kb)

This plan has been in place since 2019 and is now being reviewed to ensure it remains effective and is aligned with current best practice.

Draft Planning Enforcement Plan 2026 (pdf 184kb)

We welcome views on the above draft Enforcement Plan. To make any comments please visit Revised Planning Enforcement Plan 2026 - Draft for Consultation.

Appealing against an enforcement notice

Anyone receiving an enforcement notice for unauthorised development has a right of appeal. There is no fee for making an appeal, unless also applying for planning permission. All appeals must be received before the date the enforcement notice takes effect. Appeals are normally decided within 36 weeks.

How to appeal an enforcement notice

Restriction on properties and caravans used for holiday accommodation

The government encourages developments relating to tourism, so long as approved holiday accommodation is not used as a person’s sole or main place of residence. This helps to protect the countryside, prevent excessive pressures on local services and delivers sustainable objectives.

Many developments within the East Riding of Yorkshire provide self-catering holiday accommodation, such as caravans, cabins and building conversions, which would not have been approved unless the accommodation is used for holiday purposes only.

In deciding whether holiday accommodation breaches occupancy conditions, factors include:

  • Whether the occupier spends the majority of their time in the accommodation
  • Whether the occupier receives their mail at the accommodation
  • If the occupier is registered to vote at the accommodation, or is registered with a local GP or dentist
  • If the occupier’s child or children attend a school local to the accommodation
  • If the occupier or their family carries on employment or business when based at the accommodation.

Read more detailed holiday accommodation guidance.

Subscribe to East Riding of Yorkshire Council

Stay updated on the latest East Riding news

We use GovDelivery to send you emails, which is secure and you can choose to stop receiving emails at any time.

Find out more in our Privacy notice.

Subscribe to East Riding News

Alerts