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

Introduction

The Department of the Environment is responsible for planning control in Northern Ireland. The Planning Service, an Agency within the Department, administers this function. One of the fundamental elements of the process is the power to take action against breaches of planning control. The Department’s general policy approach to dealing with breaches of planning control is contained within Planning Policy Statement (PPS) 9 “The Enforcement of Planning Control”¹.

The Department’s key objectives for planning enforcement are:

• To bring unauthorised development under control;

• To remedy any undesirable effects of unauthorised development including, where necessary, the removal or cessation of unacceptable development; and

• To take legal action, where necessary, against those who ignore or flout planning legislation.