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Search the Public Notice PortalHyndburn Council is cutting down its backlog of planning enforcement cases.
The success is revealed in a report to councillors from development manager Joshua Parkinson.
His document, sent to members of the authority’s planning committee, says:
“As of March 31, 2026, there were 397 live enforcement investigations.
“This represents a reduction from 455 live investigations in November 2025, continuing the progress made in reducing the caseload from 692 live investigations in September 2023.
“Between April 1, 2025 and March 31, 2026, the service received 203 enforcement complaints, resulting in new investigations.
“A number of these cases are complex, involving both technical breaches and more significant planning issues.
“During the same period, a total of 271 investigations were closed. In the most recent quarter (January 1, 2026 to March 31, 2026), the service received 50 new enforcement complaints, while 110 investigations were closed.
“These figures demonstrate continued progress in reducing the overall number of open investigations to a more manageable level.
“This will enable officers to focus more effectively on new cases, resolve complaints more promptly, and take formal enforcement action where it is expedient to do so.
“During the past quarter, the service served an Enforcement Notice requiring the demolition of an unauthorised residential dwelling and associated works erected within the Green Belt at Hillside, Shawcliffe Lane, Great Harwood.
“This action followed the granting of a Planning Enforcement Order by the courts.
“In January 2026, the Planning Inspectorate dismissed an appeal relating to land at Jaucourt Street, Accrington, where mesh fencing had been erected around an area of unadopted highway without planning permission.
“As a result, the Enforcement Notice requiring removal of the fencing and restoration of the land to its previous condition has now taken effect.
“Although these Enforcement Notices are now in force, the compliance periods have not yet expired.
“These cases will be closely monitored, and prosecution action will be pursued if compliance is not achieved.
“One appeal remains outstanding in relation to an Enforcement Notice concerning the unauthorised laying of concrete at Wood Street, Church, which is currently under consideration by the Planning Inspectorate.
“Work is ongoing to improve the monitoring and reporting of enforcement investigations.
“To further support service delivery, it is proposed to recruit an additional part‑time Planning Enforcement Officer in the next quarter.
“This will increase overall capacity, enabling continued reduction in the number of live enforcement investigations and supporting a more proactive approach to planning enforcement.”
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