Fylde Council has announced a major update to its Planning Enforcement Policy, with the aim of improving transparency, prioritising enforcement actions, and managing expectations for stakeholders across the borough. This initiative follows recommendations from the Planning Peer Challenge Team’s Feedback Report, which highlighted the need for clearer communication on enforcement processes and priorities. The Council’s updated Local Enforcement Plan (LEP) seeks to provide clearer guidance on when and how enforcement action will be taken, fostering greater accountability and public understanding of the enforcement process.
Councillor Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, affirmed the Council’s commitment to proactive engagement with communities, saying, “Fylde Council recognises the importance of transparency in our planning enforcement, ensuring residents and stakeholders are well-informed and understand the basis of our decisions. This revised Enforcement Plan marks a significant step in making our priorities and processes clear to everyone. Through this, we aim to build trust and set clear expectations with our local communities.”
The updated Local Enforcement Plan, developed in line with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and best practices, includes several key elements:
- Clear Enforcement Priorities: The plan defines which types of planning breaches will be treated as high priority, ensuring that critical issues are addressed promptly while allowing for a balanced approach.
- Transparency and Accountability: The LEP outlines how the Council decides if enforcement action is appropriate, providing a fair and consistent process for both complainants and those responsible for alleged breaches.
- Community Engagement: Fylde Council is committed to engaging residents and local councils in understanding the planning enforcement process. The updated plan will be accessible to the public, enabling stakeholders to gain a clear understanding of enforcement expectations.
Incorporating feedback from a recent meeting with Executive and Planning Committee members, the revised LEP represents a collaborative effort to address local concerns and enhance the Council’s approach to planning enforcement.
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