Hand pointing at a map of the OPDC area

Planning enforcement

OPDC is the local planning authority for Old Oak and Park Royal. This means we are responsible for the enforcement of planning controls.

Report a breach of planning control

If you wish to report a suspected breach of planning control you can email us. 

Contact us

What OPDC can enforce

OPDC can only take enforcement action where there has been a breach of planning control. However, action is discretionary and may not be appropriate in all instances. Where there has been a breach of planning control there are normally time limits for OPDC to take enforcement action.

A breach of planning control can include the following:

  • building or engineering works without permission
  • material changes of use of land or buildings without permission
  • display of advertisements without consent
  • non-compliance with planning conditions (relating to an approved planning permission)
  • works to a listed building without consent
  • works to a protected tree without consent

A breach of planning control is not usually a criminal offence, however, carrying out unauthorised works to a listed building, the unauthorised display of advertisements or damage to a protected tree may involve a criminal offence.

Permitted development

Some common building works or changes of use can be undertaken without the need for planning permission. These are known as ‘permitted development’. Further information regarding permitted development can be found on the Planning Portal website.

Night time view of building site with cranes lit up

What OPDC are unable to enforce

Whilst OPDC are the local planning authority for the area, powers to enforce on a wider range of environmental issues remain with the local councils.

We will work proactively to support the local council where other enforcement issues arise. In general, OPDC cannot enforce the following:

  • highway matters e.g. blocked highways, potholes, parking controls
  • fly-tipping and street cleaning
  • noise and disturbance
  • licensing matters e.g. hours of opening, health and safety, street trading
  • air quality matters e.g. odour, dust or smoke

If your complaint relates to issues that OPDC are unable to enforce, please contact the relevant authority for further advice:

If your complaint relates to a civil matter such as encroachment, trespass, damage to a property, or party walls, it is recommended that you seek professional legal advice.

If your complaint relates to works being undertaken by HS2, it is recommended that you report this to the HS2 24-hour helpline. To find out more information, visit the HS2 website.

How to report a breach of planning control

If you wish to report a suspected breach of planning control this must be in writing and include:

  • address of the alleged breach
  • nature of the alleged breach, including dates when the breach may have begun and details of the effect that the alleged breach is having for example, noise, traffic, smells or overshadowing
  • your name and contact address
  • your telephone number or email address (optional)
  • any other information relevant to the alleged breach which could help speed up the process of determining whether there is a breach of planning control such as photos, planning history and details of the owners, occupiers, builder’s agents

All complaints and details of complainants will be kept strictly confidential and will not be given out at any time during the investigation. However, if the case is serious it may lead to a court case or an appeal, so we may be required by law to release this information. Anonymous complaints will not be investigated.

You can submit your report:

  • via email
  • via OPDC’s website (you will be required to register your details)
  • in writing to the following address: Planning Enforcement, OPDC, First Floor, 6 - 8 Victoria Road, North Acton, W3 6FF.

OPDC Enforcement Plan

Our Planning Enforcement Plan sets out the principles, priorities and procedures that will be used when investigating planning enforcement matters. Most importantly it sets out what residents and businesses can expect from OPDC should a breach of planning control occur.

Enforcement register

As local planning authority, OPDC maintains a public register of enforcement notices, stop notices and breach of condition notices, as required by Section 188 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

You can inspect the planning enforcement register online via the OPDC Planning Register.

Related planning content

Planning applications

Search for, comment on and submit planning applications, read our Local Validation Checklist and find out about our pre-application service.

Read more