Information Leaflet #10:
A Guide to Planning Enforcement in Northern Ireland

Making a Complaint

Planning Service will investigate all complaints about alleged breaches of planning control and may carry out a site visit. Written complaints are preferred as this avoids ambiguity, and provides the Planning Service with an accurate basis on which to proceed with an investigation. Written complaints should include:

• the precise site location of the alleged breach;

• details of the alleged breach;

• details of any harm being caused by the alleged breach; and

• any other relevant information.

Anonymous complaints will also be investigated. However, failure to provide an adequate level of detail in relation to an alleged breach can result in the Department being unable to take enforcement action due to unsatisfactory evidence.

All written complaints are placed on an enforcement file. Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 Planning Service may receive a request to release details of complainants. However, such personal information will not be released without the permission of the complainant.