Dorset Council (24 009 171)

Statement Upheld Enforcement 22-Apr-2025

Summary: Ms B complained about the Council’s failure to take effective enforcement action to prevent a breach of planning control on neighbouring land. We found the Council was at fault because it took too long to provide her with feedback and respond to her complaint, causing her frustration. To remedy this injustice, the Council has agreed to apologise to Ms B and remind staff of the need to comply with relevant timescales. We did not find fault with the Council’s enforcement decisions.

West Berkshire Council (24 014 171)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 22-Apr-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the way the Council dealt with a high hedge complaint, reports of breaches of planning control and data protection breaches. We cannot consider matters relating to the high hedge complaint as Mrs X has appealed to the Planning Inspector. This matter is therefore outside our jurisdiction. The breaches of planning control have been resolved therefore further investigation will not lead to a different outcome. Finally, it is reasonable to expect Mrs X to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office about data protection concerns.

Wychavon District Council (24 015 314)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Planning applications 22-Apr-2025

Summary: We will not investigate Mrs X’s complaint that the Council failed to comply with a decision by the Planning Inspector and incurred her losses of more than £3,000. This is because it would be reasonable for Mrs X to make a claim against the Council at court.

Melton Borough Council (24 019 647)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Enforcement 22-Apr-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a lack of planning enforcement action against a change of use for a property close to the complainant’s home. The Council has sought a retrospective planning application, and the complainants have put in objections. We have not seen enough evidence of fault in the Council’s actions to justify an investigation.

West Northamptonshire Council (24 019 786)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Planning applications 22-Apr-2025

Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about its decision to grant planning permission for a nearby property and officers missing off planning conditions from the decision notice. There is not enough evidence of fault in the Council’s planning decision‑making process to warrant us investigating. The Council’s decision notice fault does not cause significant personal injustice to Mr X justifying an investigation. We also cannot achieve the outcome he seeks.

Wealden District Council (24 020 509)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Planning applications 22-Apr-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision-making relating to the approval of a planning application. It is unlikely we would find fault in the way the Council made its decisions. Nor will we investigate Mr X’s complaint the Council did not fully respond to his request for information. This is because Mr X has a right of appeal to a tribunal about this and it would be reasonable for him to use that alternative remedy.

Northumberland County Council (24 020 983)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Planning applications 22-Apr-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a planning permission for a summer house because there is no evidence of fault by the Council.

North Yorkshire Council (24 022 256)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 22-Apr-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about how the Council dealt with a planning application and a possible breach of planning control. This is because parts of the complaint are late. It is also unlikely we would find fault and the complainant has not suffered significant injustice.

Suffolk County Council (25 000 174)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 22-Apr-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about how the Council responded to a consultation request from the local planning authority. This is because the complainant is complaining on behalf of a Parish Council and not as a member of the public.

Buckinghamshire Council (24 020 688)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Enforcement 21-Apr-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision to serve a planning Enforcement Notice on the complainant. This is because he has appealed to the Planning Inspector.