Have your say on our revised Local Enforcement Plan
Residents of the Winchester district are being invited to share their views on a revised Local Enforcement Plan (LEP) being developed by Winchester City Council.
A consultation on the revised plan, which sets out the city council’s approach to planning enforcement, is open for 6 weeks from 5 February.
Have your say on the proposed revisions to the Local Enforcement Plan.
The plan itself covers different aspects of the council’s approach to enforcement, including how alleged cases of unauthorised development and breaches of planning control will be investigated, the basis for planning enforcement decisions, and the approach the council takes to proactive monitoring.
The revised LEP, which was last updated in July 2020, has been prepared by the city council as part of its commitment to deliver an efficient and effective planning enforcement regime in line with the government’s National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
It underlines the importance the city council places on protecting the Winchester district’s communities, heritage and natural environment from unauthorised development and the harm it causes.
Prior to the revision of the plan, the city council engaged with local communities on its contents, with two parish workshops taking place in October 2023 and December 2024, led by City Council Cabinet Member for Place and the Local Plan, Cllr Jackie Porter.
The workshops saw parish representatives share feedback on the previous LEP that has informed updates to the revised plan.
Speaking about the importance of the revised LEP, Cllr Porter said:
“Investing in planning enforcement has been a priority for Winchester City Council and we are committed to the protection and enhancement of the natural and built environments at all stages of the planning process. Compliance with, and respect for that process are both essential and expected, and we will not condone wilful breaches of planning control.
”This sends a strong message to developers that we take a robust approach to breaches of any planning regulations and especially when they relate to the protection of our natural environment. Our focus is also to improve community engagement and transparency in the service and work more closely with our Parish Councils.”
For more details about the Local Enforcement Plan & consultation, and to have your say on the proposals, go to:
https://winchester.citizenspace.com/development-management/enforcement-local-plan