Legalize / United Kingdom / Public General Act

Town and Country Planning Act 1990

Type Public General Act

Publication 1990-05-24

Last updated 2026-04-14

State In force

Department Statute Law Database

Source legislation.gov.uk

articles Not indexed

Reform history JSON API

(1) Compliance with an enforcement notice, whether in respect of—

(a) the completion, removal or alteration of any buildings or works;

(b) the discontinuance of any use of land; or

shall not discharge the notice.

(2) Without prejudice to subsection (1), any provision of an enforcement notice requiring a use of land to be discontinued shall operate as a requirement that it shall be discontinued permanently, to the extent that it is in contravention of Part III; and accordingly the resumption of that use at any time after it has been discontinued in compliance with the enforcement notice shall to that extent be in contravention of the enforcement notice.

(3) Without prejudice to subsection (1), if any development is carried out on land by way of reinstating or restoring buildings or works which have been removed or altered in compliance with an enforcement notice, the notice shall, notwithstanding that its terms are not apt for the purpose, be deemed to apply in relation to the buildings or works as reinstated or restored as it applied in relation to the buildings or works before they were removed or altered; and, subject to subsection (4), the provisions of section 178(1) and (2) shall apply accordingly.

(4) Where, at any time after an enforcement notice takes effect—

(a) any development is carried out on land by way of reinstating or restoring buildings or works which have been removed or altered in compliance with the notice; and

(b) the local planning authority propose, under section 178(1), to take any steps required by the enforcement notice for the removal or alteration of the buildings or works in consequence of the reinstatement or restoration,

the local planning authority shall, not less than 28 days before taking any such steps, serve on the owner and occupier of the land a notice of their intention to do so.

(5) Where without planning permission a person carries out any development on land by way of reinstating or restoring buildings or works which have been removed or altered in compliance with an enforcement notice—

(a) he shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale, and

(b) no person shall be liable under section 179(2) for failure to take any steps required to be taken by an enforcement notice by way of removal or alteration of what has been so reinstated or restored.

Enforcement by the Secretary of State.

182

(1) If it appears to the Secretary of State to be expedient that an enforcement notice should be issued in respect of any land, he may issue such a notice.

(2) The Secretary of State shall not issue such a notice without consulting the local planning authority.

(3) An enforcement notice issued by the Secretary of State shall have the same effect as a notice issued by the local planning authority.

(4) In relation to an enforcement notice issued by the Secretary of State, sections 178 and 181 shall apply as if for any reference in those sections to the local planning authority there were substituted a reference to the Secretary of State.

Stop notices

Stop notices.

183

(1) Where the local planning authority consider it expedient that any relevant activity should cease before the expiry of the period for compliance with an enforcement notice, they may, when they serve the copy of the enforcement notice or afterwards, serve a notice (in this Act referred to as a “stop notice”) prohibiting the carrying out of that activity on the land to which the enforcement notice relates, or any part of that land specified in the stop notice.

(2) In this section and sections 184 and 186 “relevant activity” means any activity specified in the enforcement notice as an activity which the local planning authority require to cease and any activity carried out as part of that activity or associated with that activity.

(3) A stop notice may not be served where the enforcement notice has taken effect.

(4) A stop notice shall not prohibit the use of any building as a dwellinghouse.

(5) A stop notice shall not prohibit the carrying out of any activity if the activity has been carried out (whether continuously or not) for a period of more than four years ending with the service of the notice; and for the purposes of this subsection no account is to be taken of any period during which the activity was authorised by planning permission.

(5A) Subsection (5) does not prevent a stop notice prohibiting any activity consisting of, or incidental to, building, engineering, mining or other operations or the deposit of refuse or waste materials.

(6) A stop notice may be served by the local planning authority on any person who appears to them to have an interest in the land or to be engaged in any activity prohibited by the notice.

(7) The local planning authority may at any time withdraw a stop notice (without prejudice to their power to serve another) by serving notice to that effect on persons served with the stop notice.

Stop notices: supplementary provisions.

184

(1) A stop notice must refer to the enforcement notice to which it relates and have a copy of that notice annexed to it.

(2) A stop notice must specify the date on which it will take effect (and it cannot be contravened until that date).

(3) That date—

(a) must not be earlier than three days after the date when the notice is served, unless the local planning authority consider that there are special reasons for specifying an earlier date and a statement of those reasons is served with the stop notice; and

(b) must not be later than twenty-eight days from the date when the notice is first served on any person.

(4) A stop notice shall cease to have effect when—

(a) the enforcement notice to which it relates is withdrawn or quashed; or

(b) the period for compliance with the enforcement notice expires; or

(5) A stop notice shall also cease to have effect if or to the extent that the activities prohibited by it cease, on a variation of the enforcement notice, to be relevant activities.

(6) Where a stop notice has been served in respect of any land, the local planning authority may display there a notice (in this section and section 187 referred to as a “site notice”)—

(a) stating that a stop notice has been served and that any person contravening it may be prosecuted for an offence under section 187,

(b) giving the date when the stop notice takes effect, and

(7) If under section 183(7) the local planning authority withdraw a stop notice in respect of which a site notice was displayed, they must display a notice of the withdrawal in place of the site notice.

(8) A stop notice shall not be invalid by reason that a copy of the enforcement notice to which it relates was not served as required by section 172if it is shown that the local planning authority took all such steps as were reasonably practicable to effect proper service.

Service of stop notices by Secretary of State.

185

(1) If it appears to the Secretary of State to be expedient that a stop notice should be served in respect of any land, he may himself serve such a notice.

(2) A notice served by the Secretary of State under subsection (1) shall have the same effect as if it had been served by the local planning authority.

(3) The Secretary of State shall not serve such a notice without consulting the local planning authority.

Compensation for loss due to stop notice.

186

(1) Where a stop notice is served under section 183 compensation may be payable under this section in respect of a prohibition contained in the notice only if—

(a) the enforcement notice is quashed on grounds other than those mentioned in paragraph (a) of section 174(2);

(b) the enforcement notice is varied (otherwise than on the grounds mentioned in that paragraph) so that any activity the carrying out of which is prohibited by the stop notice ceases to be a relevant activity;

(c) the enforcement notice is withdrawn by the local planning authority otherwise than in consequence of the grant by them of planning permission for the development to which the notice relates . . . ; or

(d) the stop notice is withdrawn.

(2) A person who, when the stop notice is first served, has an interest in or occupies the land to which the notice relates shall be entitled to be compensated by the local planning authority in respect of any loss or damage directly attributable to the prohibition contained in the notice or, in a case within subsection (1)(b), the prohibition of such of the activities prohibited by the stop notice as cease to be relevant activities.

(3) A claim for compensation under this section shall be made to the local planning authority within the prescribed time and in the prescribed manner.

(4) The loss or damage in respect of which compensation is payable under this section in respect of a prohibition shall include any sum payable in respect of a breach of contract caused by the taking of action necessary to comply with the prohibition.

(5) No compensation is payable under this section—

(a) in respect of the prohibition in a stop notice of any activity which, at any time when the notice is in force, constitutes or contributes to a breach of planning control; or

(b) in the case of a claimant who was required to provide information under section 171C or 330 or section 16 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, in respect of any loss or damage suffered by him which could have been avoided if he had provided the information or had otherwise co-operated with the local planning authority when responding to the notice.

(6) Except in so far as may be otherwise provided by any regulations made under this Act, any question of disputed compensation under this Part shall be referred to and determined by the Upper Tribunal.

(7) In relation to the determination of any such question, the provisions of section 4 of the Land Compensation Act 1961 shall apply subject to any necessary modifications and to the provisions of any regulations made under this Act.

Penalties for contravention of stop notice.

187

(1) If any person contravenes a stop notice after a site notice has been displayed or the stop notice has been served on him he shall be guilty of an offence.

(1A) An offence under this section may be charged by reference to any day or longer period of time and a person may be convicted of a second or subsequent offence under this section by reference to any period of time following the preceding conviction for such an offence.

(1B) References in this section to contravening a stop notice include causing or permitting its contravention.

(2) A person guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable on summary conviction, or on conviction on indictment, to a fine.

(2A) In determining the amount of any fine to be imposed on a person convicted of an offence under this section, the court shall in particular have regard to any financial benefit which has accrued or appears likely to accrue to him in consequence of the offence.

(3) In proceedings for an offence under this section it shall be a defence for the accused to prove—

(a) that the stop notice was not served on him, and

(b) that he did not know, and could not reasonably have been expected to know, of its existence.

Breach of condition

Enforcement of conditions.

187A

(1) This section applies where planning permission for carrying out any development of land has been granted subject to conditions.

(2) The local planning authority may, if any of the conditions is not complied with, serve a notice (in this Act referred to as a “breach of condition notice”) on—

(a) any person who is carrying out or has carried out the development; or

(b) any person having control of the land,

requiring him to secure compliance with such of the conditions as are specified in the notice.

(3) References in this section to the person responsible are to the person on whom the breach of condition notice has been served.

(4) The conditions which may be specified in a notice served by virtue of subsection (2)(b) are any of the conditions regulating the use of the land.

(5) A breach of condition notice shall specify the steps which the authority consider ought to be taken, or the activities which the authority consider ought to cease, to secure compliance with the conditions specified in the notice.

(6) The authority may by notice served on the person responsible withdraw the breach of condition notice, but its withdrawal shall not affect the power to serve on him a further breach of condition notice in respect of the conditions specified in the earlier notice or any other conditions.

(7) The period allowed for compliance with the notice is—

(a) such period of not less than twenty-eight days beginning with the date of service of the notice as may be specified in the notice; or

(b) that period as extended by a further notice served by the local planning authority on the person responsible.

(8) If, at any time after the end of the period allowed for compliance with the notice—

(a) any of the conditions specified in the notice is not complied with; and

(b) the steps specified in the notice have not been taken or, as the case may be, the activities specified in the notice have not ceased,

the person responsible is in breach of the notice.

(9) If the person responsible is in breach of the notice he shall be guilty of an offence.

(10) An offence under subsection (9) may be charged by reference to any day or longer period of time and a person may be convicted of a second or subsequent offence under that subsection by reference to any period of time following the preceding conviction for such an offence.

(11) It shall be a defence for a person charged with an offence under subsection (9) to prove—

(a) that he took all reasonable measures to secure compliance with the conditions specified in the notice; or

(b) where the notice was served on him by virtue of subsection (2)(b), that he no longer had control of the land.

(12) A person who is guilty of an offence under subsection (9) shall be liable on summary conviction—

(a) to a fine, if the land is in England, or

(b) to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale, if the land is in Wales.

(13) In this section—

(a) “conditions” includes limitations; and

(b) references to carrying out any development include causing or permitting another to do so.

Injunctions

Injunctions restraining breaches of planning control.

187B

(1) Where a local planning authority consider it necessary or expedient for any actual or apprehended breach of planning control to be restrained by injunction, they may apply to the court for an injunction, whether or not they have exercised or are proposing to exercise any of their other powers under this Part.

(2) On an application under subsection (1) the court may grant such an injunction as the court thinks appropriate for the purpose of restraining the breach.

(3) Rules of court may provide for such an injunction to be issued against a person whose identity is unknown.

(4) In this section “the court” means the High Court or the county court.

Registers

Register of enforcement and stop notices and other enforcement action.

188

(1) Every district planning authority , every local planning authority for an area in Wales and the council of every metropolitan district or London borough shall keep, in such manner as may be prescribed by a development order, a register containing such information as may be so prescribed with respect—

(za) to planning enforcement orders,

(zb) to enforcement warning notices under section 172ZA (enforcement warning notice: England),

(a) to enforcement notices; . . .

(aa) to enforcement warning notices under section 173ZA (enforcement warning notice: Wales),

(b) to stop notices, and

which relate to land in their area.

(2) A development order may make provision—

(a) for the entry relating to any planning enforcement order, enforcement notice, enforcement warning notice under section 172ZA or 173ZA, stop notice or breach of condition notice, and everything relating to any planning enforcement order or any such notice, to be removed from the register in such circumstances as may be specified in the development order; and

(b) for requiring a county planning authority to supply to a district planning authority such information as may be so specified with regard to enforcement notices and enforcement warning notices under section 172ZA issued and stop notices and breach of condition notices served by , and planning enforcement orders made on applications made by, the county planning authority.

(3) Every register kept under this section shall be available for inspection by the public at all reasonable hours.

(4) In this section “planning enforcement order” means an order under section 171BA(1).

Enforcement of orders for discontinuance of use, etc.

Penalties for contravention of orders under s. 102 and Schedule 9.

189

(1) Any person who without planning permission—

(a) uses land, or causes or permits land to be used—

(i) for any purpose for which an order under section 102 or paragraph 1 of Schedule 9 has required that its use shall be discontinued; or

(ii) in contravention of any condition imposed by such an order by virtue of subsection (1) of that section or, as the case may be, sub-paragraph (1) of that paragraph; or

(b) resumes, or causes or permits to be resumed, development consisting of the winning and working of minerals or involving the depositing of mineral waste the the resumption of which an order under paragraph 3 of that Schedule has prohibited; or

(c) contravenes, or causes or permits to be contravened, any such requirement as is specified in sub-paragraph (3) or (4) of that paragraph,

shall be guilty of an offence.

(2) Any person who contravenes any requirement of an order under paragraph 5 or 6 of that Schedule or who causes or permits any requirement of such an order to be contravened shall be guilty of an offence.

(3) Any person guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable—

(a) on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum; and

(b) on conviction on indictment, to a fine.

(4) It shall be a defence for a person charged with an offence under this section to prove that he took all reasonable measures and exercised all due diligence to avoid commission of the offence by himself or by any person under his control.

(5) If in any case the defence provided by subsection (4) involves an allegation that the commission of the offence was due to the act or default of another person or due to reliance on information supplied by another person, the person charged shall not, without the leave of the court, be entitled to rely on the defence unless, within a period ending seven clear days before the hearing, he has served on the prosecutor a notice in writing giving such information identifying or assisting in the identification of the other person as was then in his possession.

Enforcement of orders under s. 102 and Schedule 9.

190

(1) This section applies where—

(a) any step required by an order under section 102 or paragraph 1 of Schedule 9 to be taken for the alteration or removal of any buildings or works or any plant or machinery;

(b) any step required by an order under paragraph 3 of that Schedule to be taken—

(i) for the alteration or removal of plant or machinery; or

(ii) for the removal or alleviation of any injury to amenity; or

(c) any step for the protection of the environment required to be taken by an order under paragraph 5 or 6 of that Schedule,

has not been taken within the period specified in the order or within such extended period as the local planning authority or, as the case may be, the mineral planning authority may allow.

(2) Where this section applies the local planning authority or, as the case may be, the mineral planning authority may enter the land and take the required step.

(3) Where the local planning authority or, as the case may be, the mineral planning authority have exercised their power under subsection (2) they may recover from the person who is then the owner of the land any expenses reasonably incurred by them in doing so.

(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5) Section 276 of the Public Health Act 1936 shall apply in relation to any works executed by an authority under subsection (2) as it applies in relation to works executed by a local authority under that Act.

Certificate of lawful use or development

Certificate of lawfulness of existing use or development.

191

(1) If any person wishes to ascertain whether—

(a) any existing use of buildings or other land is lawful;

(b) any operations which have been carried out in, on, over or under land are lawful; or

(c) any other matter constituting a failure to comply with any condition or limitation subject to which planning permission has been granted is lawful,

he may make an application for the purpose to the local planning authority specifying the land and describing the use, operations or other matter.

(2) For the purposes of this Act uses and operations are lawful at any time if—

(a) no enforcement action may then be taken in respect of them (whether because they did not involve development or require planning permission or because the time for enforcement action has expired or for any other reason); and

(b) they do not constitute a contravention of any of the requirements of any enforcement notice then in force.

(3) For the purposes of this Act any matter constituting a failure to comply with any condition or limitation subject to which planning permission has been granted is lawful at any time if—

(a) the time for taking enforcement action in respect of the failure has then expired; and

(b) it does not constitute a contravention of any of the requirements of any enforcement notice or breach of condition notice then in force.

(3A) In determining for the purposes of this section whether the time for taking enforcement action in respect of a matter has expired, that time is to be taken not to have expired if—

(a) the time for applying for an order under section 171BA(1) (a “planning enforcement order”) in relation to the matter has not expired,

(b) an application has been made for a planning enforcement order in relation to the matter and the application has neither been decided nor been withdrawn, or

(c) a planning enforcement order has been made in relation to the matter, the order has not been rescinded and the enforcement year for the order (whether or not it has begun) has not expired.

(4) If, on an application under this section, the local planning authority are provided with information satisfying them of the lawfulness at the time of the application of the use, operations or other matter described in the application, or that description as modified by the local planning authority or a description substituted by them, they shall issue a certificate to that effect; and in any other case they shall refuse the application.

(5) A certificate under this section shall—

(a) specify the land to which it relates;

(b) describe the use, operations or other matter in question (in the case of any use falling within one of the classes specified in an order under section 55(2)(f), identifying it by reference to that class);

(d) specify the date of the application for the certificate.

(6) The lawfulness of any use, operations or other matter for which a certificate is in force under this section shall be conclusively presumed.

(7) A certificate under this section in respect of any use shall also have effect, for the purposes of the following enactments, as if it were a grant of planning permission—

(a) section 3(3) of the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960 or section 7(1) of the Mobile Homes (Wales) Act 2013;

(b) section 5(2) of the Control of Pollution Act 1974; and

Certificate of lawfulness of proposed use or development.

192

(1) If any person wishes to ascertain whether—

(a) any proposed use of buildings or other land; or

(b) any operations proposed to be carried out in, on, over or under land,

would be lawful, he may make an application for the purpose to the local planning authority specifying the land and describing the use or operations in question.

(2) If, on an application under this section, the local planning authority are provided with information satisfying them that the use or operations described in the application would be lawful if instituted or begun at the time of the application, they shall issue a certificate to that effect; and in any other case they shall refuse the application.

(3) A certificate under this section shall—

(a) specify the land to which it relates;

(b) describe the use or operations in question (in the case of any use falling within one of the classes specified in an order under section 55(2)(f), identifying it by reference to that class);

(d) specify the date of the application for the certificate.

(4) The lawfulness of any use or operations for which a certificate is in force under this section shall be conclusively presumed unless there is a material change, before the use is instituted or the operations are begun, in any of the matters relevant to determining such lawfulness.

Certificates under sections 191 and 192: supplementary provisions.

193

(1) An application for a certificate under section 191 or 192 shall be made in such manner as may be prescribed by a development order and shall include such particulars, and be verified by such evidence, as may be required by such an order or by any directions given under such an order or by the local planning authority.

(2) Provision may be made by a development order for regulating the manner in which applications for certificates under those sections are to be dealt with by local planning authorities.

(3) In particular, such an order may provide for requiring the authority—

(a) to give to any applicant within such time as may be prescribed by the order such notice as may be so prescribed as to the manner in which his application has been dealt with; and

(b) to give to the Secretary of State and to such other persons as may be prescribed by or under the order, such information as may be so prescribed with respect to such applications made to the authority, including information as to the manner in which any application has been dealt with.

(4) A certificate under either of those sections may be issued—

(a) for the whole or part of the land specified in the application; and

(b) where the application specifies two or more uses, operations or other matters, for all of them or some one or more of them;

and shall be in such form as may be prescribed by a development order.

(5) A certificate under section 191 or 192 shall not affect any matter constituting a failure to comply with any condition or limitation subject to which planning permission has been granted unless that matter is described in the certificate.

(6) In section 69 references to applications for planning permission shall include references to applications for certificates under section 191 or 192.

(7) A local planning authority may revoke a certificate under either of those sections if, on the application for the certificate—

(a) a statement was made or document used which was false in a material particular; or

(b) any material information was withheld.

(8) Provision may be made by a development order for regulating the manner in which certificates may be revoked and the notice to be given of such revocation.

Offences.

194

(1) If any person, for the purpose of procuring a particular decision on an application (whether by himself or another) for the issue of a certificate under section 191 or 192—

(a) knowingly or recklessly makes a statement which is false or misleading in a material particular;

(b) with intent to deceive, uses any document which is false or misleading in a material particular; or

he shall be guilty of an offence.

(2) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (1) shall be liable—

(a) on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum; or

(b) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or a fine, or both.

(3) Notwithstanding section 127 of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980, a magistrates’ court may try an information in respect of an offence under subsection (1) whenever laid.

Appeals against refusal or failure to give decision on application.

195

(1) Where an application is made to a local planning authority for a certificate under section 191 or 192 and—

(a) the application is refused or is refused in part, or

(b) the authority do not give notice to the applicant of their decision on the application within such period as may be prescribed by a development order or within such extended period as may at any time be agreed upon in writing between the applicant and the authority,

the applicant may by notice appeal to the Secretary of State.

(1B) A notice of appeal under this section must be—

(a) served within such time and in such manner as may be prescribed by a development order;

(b) accompanied by such information as may be prescribed by such an order.

(1C) The time prescribed for the service of a notice of appeal under this section must not be less than—

(a) 28 days from the date of notification of the decision on the application; or

(b) in the case of an appeal under subsection (1)(b), 28 days from—

(i) the end of the period prescribed as mentioned in subsection (1)(b), or

(ii) as the case may be, the extended period mentioned in subsection (1)(b).

(1D) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(1DA) Once notice of an appeal under this section to the Welsh Ministers has been served, the application to which it relates may not be varied, except in such circumstances as may be prescribed by a development order.

(1DB) A development order which makes provision under subsection (1DA) must provide for an application which is varied to be subject to such further consultation as the Welsh Ministers consider appropriate.

(1E) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(1F) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2) On any such appeal, if and so far as the Secretary of State is satisfied—

(a) in the case of an appeal under subsection (1)(a), that the authority’s refusal is not well-founded, or

(b) in the case of an appeal under subsection (1)(b), that if the authority had refused the application their refusal would not have been well-founded,

he shall grant the appellant a certificate under section 191 or, as the case may be, 192 accordingly or, in the case of a refusal in part, modify the certificate granted by the authority on the application.

(3) If and so far as the Secretary of State is satisfied that the authority’s refusal is or, as the case may be, would have been well-founded, he shall dismiss the appeal.

(3A) Where the local planning authority referred to in subsection (1) is in England, if at any time before or during the determination of an appeal under subsection (1)(a) or (b) it appears to the Secretary of State that the appellant is responsible for undue delay in the progress of the appeal, the Secretary of State may—

(a) give the appellant notice that the appeal will be dismissed unless the appellant takes, within the period specified in the notice, such steps as are so specified for the expedition of the appeal, and

(b) if the appellant fails to take those steps within that period, dismiss the appeal accordingly.

(4) References in this section to a refusal of an application in part include a modification or substitution of the description in the application of the use, operations or other matter in question.

(5) For the purposes of the application in relation to England of section 288(10)(b) sections 196(1A), 288(10)(b) and 319A(7)(d) in relation to an appeal in a case within subsection (1)(b) it shall be assumed that the authority decided to refuse the application in question.

(5A) For the purposes of the application in relation to Wales of sections 288(10)(b) and 319B(7)(d) in relation to an appeal in a case within subsection (1)(b) it shall be assumed that the authority decided to refuse the application in question.

(6) Schedule 6 applies to appeals under this section.

Further provisions as to references and appeals to the Secretary of State.

196

(1) Before determining . . . an appeal to him under section 195(1), the Secretary of State shall, if either the appellant or the local planning authority so wish, give each of them an opportunity of appearing before, and being heard by, a person appointed by the Secretary of State for the purpose.

(1A) Subsection (1) does not apply to an appeal against a decision of a local planning authority in England.

(1B) Subsection (1) does not apply to an appeal to the Welsh Ministers.

(2) Where the Secretary of State grants a certificate under section 191 or 192 on such a reference or an appeal under section 195(1), he shall give notice to the local planning authority of that fact.

(3) The decision of the Secretary of State on such . . . appeal shall be final.

(4) The information which may be prescribed as being required to be contained in a register kept under section 69 shall include information with respect to certificates under section 191 or 192 granted by the Secretary of State.

(5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(8) Subsection (5) of section 250 of the Local Government Act 1972 (which authorises a Minister holding an inquiry under that section to make orders with respect to the costs of the parties) shall apply in relation to any proceedings in England before the Secretary of State on an appeal under section 195 as if those proceedings were an inquiry held by the Secretary of State under section 250.

Rights of entry for enforcement purposes

Rights to enter without warrant.

196A

(1) Any person duly authorised in writing by a local planning authority may at any reasonable hour enter any land—

(a) to ascertain whether there is or has been any breach of planning control on the land or any other land;

(b) to determine whether any of the powers conferred on a local planning authority by this Part should be exercised in relation to the land or any other land;

(d) to ascertain whether there has been compliance with any requirement imposed as a result of any such power having been exercised in relation to the land or any other land,

if there are reasonable grounds for entering for the purpose in question.

(2) Any person duly authorised in writing by the Secretary of State may at any reasonable hour enter any land to determine whether an enforcement notice should be issued in relation to the land or any other land, if there are reasonable grounds for entering for that purpose.

(3) The Secretary of State shall not so authorise any person without consulting the local planning authority.

(4) Admission to any building used as a dwellinghouse shall not be demanded as of right by virtue of subsection (1) or (2) unless twenty-four hours’ notice of the intended entry has been given to the occupier of the building.

Right to enter under warrant.

196B

(1) If it is shown to the satisfaction of a justice of the peace on sworn information in writing—

(a) that there are reasonable grounds for entering any land for any of the purposes mentioned in section 196A(1) or (2); and

(b) that—

(i) admission to the land has been refused, or a refusal is reasonably apprehended; or

(ii) the case is one of urgency,

the justice may issue a warrant authorising any person duly authorised in writing by a local planning authority or, as the case may be, the Secretary of State to enter the land.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1)(b)(i) admission to land shall be regarded as having been refused if no reply is received to a request for admission within a reasonable period.

(3) A warrant authorises entry on one occasion only and that entry must be—

(a) within one month from the date of the issue of the warrant; and

(b) at a reasonable hour, unless the case is one of urgency.

Rights of entry: supplementary provisions.

196C

(1) A person authorised to enter any land in pursuance of a right of entry conferred under or by virtue of section 196A or 196B (referred to in this section as “a right of entry”)—

(a) shall, if so required, produce evidence of his authority and state the purpose of his entry before so entering;

(b) may take with him such other persons as may be necessary; and

(c) on leaving the land shall, if the owner or occupier is not then present, leave it as effectively secured against trespassers as he found it.

(2) Any person who wilfully obstructs a person acting in the exercise of a right of entry shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

(3) If any damage is caused to land or chattels in the exercise of a right of entry, compensation may be recovered by any person suffering the damage from the authority who gave the written authority for the entry or, as the case may be, the Secretary of State.

(4) The provisions of section 118 shall apply in relation to compensation under subsection (3) as they apply in relation to compensation under Part IV.

(5) If any person who enters any land, in exercise of a right of entry, discloses to any person any information obtained by him while on the land as to any manufacturing process or trade secret, he shall be guilty of an offence.

(6) Subsection (5) does not apply if the disclosure is made by a person in the course of performing his duty in connection with the purpose for which he was authorised to enter the land.

(7) A person who is guilty of an offence under subsection (5) shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or a fine or both.

(8) In sections 196A and 196B and this section references to a local planning authority include, in relation to a building situated in Greater London, a reference to the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England.

Conservation areas

Offence of failing to obtain planning permission for demolition of unlisted etc buildings in conservation areas in England

196D

(1) It is an offence for a person to carry out or cause or permit to be carried out relevant demolition without the required planning permission.

(2) It is also an offence for a person to fail to comply with any condition or limitation subject to which planning permission for relevant demolition is granted.

(3) In this section “relevant demolition” means the demolition of a building that—

(a) is situated in a conservation area in England; and

(b) is not a building to which section 74 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 does not apply by virtue of section 75 of that Act (listed buildings, certain ecclesiastical buildings, scheduled monuments and buildings described in a direction of the Secretary of State under that section).

(4) It is a defence for a person accused of an offence under this section to prove the following matters—

(a) that the relevant demolition was urgently necessary in the interests of safety or health;

(b) that it was not practicable to secure safety or health by works of repair or works for affording temporary support or shelter;

(d) that notice in writing of the relevant demolition was given to the local planning authority as soon as reasonably practicable.

(5) A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable—

(a) on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding the general limit in a magistrates’ court or a fine or both;

(b) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or a fine or both.

(6) In relation to an offence committed before 2 May 2022, subsection (5)(a) has effect as if the reference to the general limit in a magistrates’ court were to 6 months.

(7) In relation to an offence committed before the coming into force of section 85(1) of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, subsection (5)(a) has effect as if the reference to a fine were a reference to a fine not exceeding £20,000.

(8) In determining the amount of any fine to be imposed on a person convicted of an offence under this section, the court must in particular have regard to any financial benefit which has accrued or appears likely to accrue to that person in consequence of the offence.

(9) Where, after a person commits an offence under this section, planning permission is granted for any development carried out before the grant of the permission, that grant does not affect the person's liability for the offence.

Relief from enforcement

Power to provide relief from enforcement of planning conditions

196E

(1) The Secretary of State may by regulations provide that a local planning authority in England may not take, or is subject to specified restrictions in how it may take, relevant enforcement measures in relation to any actual or apparent failure to comply with a relevant planning condition.

(2) The Secretary of State may make regulations under subsection (1) only if the Secretary of State considers that it is appropriate to make the regulations for the purposes of national defence or preventing or responding to civil emergency or significant disruption to the economy of the United Kingdom or any part of the United Kingdom.

(3) The power in subsection (1) may only be exercised in respect of an actual or apparent failure which occurs during a specified period of not more than one year (the “relief period”) or which is apprehended during the relief period to so occur (but see subsections (7) and (8)).

(4) A “relevant enforcement measure” is anything which may be done by a local planning authority in England for the purposes of investigating, preventing, remedying or penalising an actual or apparent failure to comply with a relevant planning condition.

(5) A relevant enforcement measure includes, in particular—

(a) the exercise of a power under—

(i) section 171BA (power to apply for planning enforcement order);

(ii) section 187B (power to apply to court for injunction);

(iii) section 196A (power to enter without a warrant);

(iv) section 196B (power to apply for, and enter under, warrant);

(b) the issue of—

(i) a planning contravention notice under section 171C,

(ii) a temporary stop notice under section 171E,

(iii) an enforcement notice under section 172,

(iv) an enforcement warning notice under section 172ZA,

(v) a stop notice under section 183, or

(vi) a breach of condition notice under section 187A.

(6) A “relevant planning condition” is a condition or limitation subject to which planning permission for development of land in England is granted, but does not include a condition under—

(a) section 90A and Schedule 7A (condition relating to biodiversity gain);

(b) section 90B (condition relating to development progress reports);

(d) section 92 (conditions for outline planning permission).

(7) Regulations under subsection (1) may make provision as to the treatment of an actual or apparent failure to comply with a relevant planning condition, which—

(a) starts before, but continues after, the start of the relief period, or

(b) starts during, but continues after, that period.

(8) Regulations under subsection (1) may provide that an actual or apparent failure to comply with a relevant planning condition is not to be treated as occurring during the relief period, if the failure—

(a) occurs wholly during the period, and

(b) is not remedied by a specified time after the period.

(9) Regulations under subsection (1) may make provision that, where anything relating to the taking of a relevant enforcement measure is to be or may be done by a time during the relief period, it is to be or may be instead done by a specified time after that period.

(10) Regulations under subsection (1) may—

(a) apply in relation to all, or only specified, local planning authorities in England;

(b) apply in relation to all, or only specified, relevant planning conditions;

(d) prevent the taking of relevant enforcement measures indefinitely or only for a specified period of time.

(11) In this section, “specified” means specified or described in regulations under subsection (1).

Part VIII — Special Controls

Chapter I — Trees

General duty of planning authorities as respects trees

Planning permission to include appropriate provision for preservation and planting of trees.

197

It shall be the duty of the local planning authority—

(a) to ensure, whenever it is appropriate, that in granting planning permission for any development adequate provision is made, by the imposition of conditions, for the preservation or planting of trees; and

(b) to make such orders under section 198 as appear to the authority to be necessary in connection with the grant of such permission, whether for giving effect to such conditions or otherwise.

Tree preservation orders

Power to make tree preservation orders.

198

(1) If it appears to a local planning authority that it is expedient in the interests of amenity to make provision for the preservation of trees or woodlands in their area, they may for that purpose make an order with respect to such trees, groups of trees or woodlands as may be specified in the order.

(2) An order under subsection (1) is in this Act referred to as a “tree preservation order”.

(3) A tree preservation order may, in particular, make provision—

(a) for prohibiting (subject to any exemptions for which provision may be made by the order) the cutting down, topping, lopping, uprooting, wilful damage or wilful destruction of trees except with the consent of the local planning authority, and for enabling that authority to give their consent subject to conditions;

(b) for securing the replanting, in such manner as may be prescribed by or under the order, of any part of a woodland area which is felled in the course of forestry operations permitted by or under the order;

(c) for applying, in relation to any consent under the order, and to applications for such consent, any of the provisions of this Act mentioned in subsection (4), subject to such adaptations and modifications as may be specified in the order.

(4) The provisions referred to in subsection (3)(c) are—

(a) the provisions of Part III relating to planning permission and to applications for planning permission, except sections 56, 62, 65 . . ., 69(3) and (4), 71, . . ., 91 to 96, 100 and 101 and Schedule 8; and

(b) sections 137 to 141, 143 and 144 (except so far as they relate to purchase notices served in consequence of such orders as are mentioned in section 137(1)(b) or (c));

(5) A tree preservation order may be made so as to apply, in relation to trees to be planted pursuant to any such conditions as are mentioned in section 197(a), as from the time when those trees are planted.

(6) Without prejudice to any other exemptions for which provision may be made by a tree preservation order, no such order shall apply—

(a) to the cutting down, uprooting, topping or lopping of trees which are dying or dead or have become dangerous, or

(b) to the cutting down, uprooting, topping or lopping of any trees in compliance with any obligations imposed by or under an Act of Parliament or so far as may be necessary for the prevention or abatement of a nuisance.

(7) This section Tree preservation regulations shall have effect subject to—

(a) section 39(2) of the Housing and Planning Act 1986 (saving for effect of section 2(4) of the Opencast Coal Act 1958 on land affected by a tree preservation order despite its repeal); and

(b) section 15 of the Forestry Act 1967 (licences under that Act to fell trees comprised in a tree preservation order).

(8) In relation to an application for consent under a tree preservation order the appropriate authority may by regulations make provision as to—

(a) the form and manner in which the application must be made;

(b) particulars of such matters as are to be included in the application;

(9) The appropriate authority is—

(a) the Secretary of State in relation to England;

(b) the National Assembly for Wales in relation to Wales,

and in the case of regulations made by the National Assembly for Wales section 333(3) must be ignored.

Form of and procedure applicable to orders.

199

(1) A tree preservation order shall not take effect until it is confirmed by the local planning authority and the local planning authority may confirm any such order either without modification or subject to such modifications as they consider expedient.

(2) Provision may be made by regulations under this Act with respect—

(a) to the form of tree preservation orders, and

(b) to the procedure to be followed in connection with the making and confirmation of such orders.

(3) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (2), the regulations may make provision—

(a) that, before a tree preservation order is confirmed by the local planning authority, notice of the making of the order shall be given to the owners and occupiers of land affected by the order and to such other persons, if any, as may be specified in the regulations;

(b) that objections and representations with respect to the order, if duly made in accordance with the regulations, shall be considered before the order is confirmed by the local planning authority; and

(c) that copies of the order, when confirmed by the authority, shall be served on such persons as may be specified in the regulations.

Tree preservation orders: Forestry Commissioners and Natural Resources Body for Wales

200

(1) A tree preservation order does not Tree preservation regulations do not have effect in respect of anything done—

(a) by or on behalf of the Forestry Commissioners or the Natural Resources Body for Wales on land placed at their disposal in pursuance of the Forestry Act 1967 or otherwise under their management or supervision;

(b) by or on behalf of any other person in accordance with a relevant plan which is for the time being in force.

(2) A relevant plan is a plan of operations or other working plan approved by the Forestry Commissioners or the Natural Resources Body for Wales under—

(a) a forestry dedication covenant within the meaning of section 5 of the Forestry Act 1967, or

(b) conditions of a grant or loan made by the Forestry Commissioners under section 1 of the Forestry Act 1979 or made by the Natural Resources Body for Wales under article 10B of the Natural Resources Body for Wales (Establishment) Order 2012 (S.I.2012/1903) for or in connection with the use or management of land for forestry purposes.

(3) A reference to a provision of the Forestry Act 1967 or the Forestry Act 1979 includes a reference to a corresponding provision replaced by that provision or any earlier corresponding provision.

Provisional tree preservation orders.

201

(1) If it appears to a local planning authority that a tree preservation order proposed to be made by that authority should take effect immediately without previous confirmation, they may include in the order as made by them a direction that this section shall apply to the order.

(2) Notwithstanding section 199(1), an order which contains such a direction—

(a) shall take effect provisionally on such date as may be specified in it, and

(b) shall continue in force by virtue of this section until—

(i) the expiration of a period of six months beginning with the date on which the order was made; or

(ii) the date on which the order is confirmed,

whichever first occurs.

Power for Secretary of State to make tree preservation orders.

202

(1) If it appears to the Secretary of State, after consultation with the local planning authority, to be expedient that a tree preservation order or an order amending or revoking such an order should be made, he may himself make such an order.

(2) Any order so made by the Secretary of State shall have the same effect as if it had been made by the local planning authority and confirmed by them under this Chapter. , once it has taken effect in accordance with tree preservation regulations, have the same effect as if it had been made by the local planning authority under section 198(1).

(3) The provisions of this Chapter and of any regulations made under it with respect to the procedure to be followed in connection with the making and confirmation of any order to which subsection (1) applies and the service of copies of it as confirmed shall have effect, subject to any necessary modifications—

(a) in relation to any proposal by the Secretary of State to make such an order,

(b) in relation to the making of it by the Secretary of State, and

Tree preservation regulations: general

202A

(1) The appropriate national authority may by regulations make provision in connection with tree preservation orders.

(2) Sections 202B to 202G make further provision about what may, in particular, be contained in regulations under subsection (1).

(3) In this section and those sections “tree preservation order” includes an order under section 202(1).

(4) In this Act “tree preservation regulations” means regulations under subsection (1).

(5) In subsection (1) “the appropriate national authority”—

(a) in relation to England means the Secretary of State, and

(b) in relation to Wales means the Welsh Ministers.

(6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tree preservation regulations: making of tree preservation orders

202B

(1) Tree preservation regulations may make provision about—

(a) the form of tree preservation orders;

(b) the procedure to be followed in connection with the making of tree preservation orders;

(2) If tree preservation regulations make provision for tree preservation orders not to take effect until confirmed, tree preservation regulations may—

(a) make provision for tree preservation orders to take effect provisionally until confirmed;

(b) make provision about who is to confirm a tree preservation order;

Tree preservation regulations: prohibited activities

202C

(1) Tree preservation regulations may make provision for prohibiting all or any of the following—

(a) cutting down of trees;

(b) topping of trees;

(d) uprooting of trees;

(e) wilful damage of trees;

(f) wilful destruction of trees.

(2) A prohibition imposed on a person may (in particular) relate to things whose doing the person causes or permits (as well as to things the person does).

(3) A prohibition may be imposed subject to exceptions.

(4) In particular, provision may be made for a prohibition not to apply to things done with consent.

(5) In this section “tree” means a tree in respect of which a tree preservation order is in force.

202D

(1) This section applies if tree preservation regulations make provision under section 202C(4).

(2) Tree preservation regulations may make provision—

(a) about who may give consent;

(b) for the giving of consent subject to conditions;

(3) The conditions for which provision may be made under subsection (2)(b) include—

(a) conditions as to planting of trees;

(b) conditions requiring approvals to be obtained from the person giving the consent;

(4) The conditions mentioned in subsection (3)(a) include—

(a) conditions requiring trees to be planted;

(b) conditions about the planting of any trees required to be planted by conditions within paragraph (a), including conditions about how, where or when planting is to be done;

(c) conditions requiring things to be done, or installed, for the protection of any trees planted in pursuance of conditions within paragraph (a).

(5) In relation to any tree planted in pursuance of a condition within subsection (4)(a), tree preservation regulations may make provision —

(a) for the tree preservation order concerned to apply to the tree;

(b) authorising the person imposing the condition to specify that the tree preservation order concerned is not to apply to the tree.

(6) “The tree preservation order concerned” is the order in force in relation to the tree in respect of which consent is given under tree preservation regulations.

(7) The provision that may be made under subsection (2)(c) includes provision about applications for consent, including provision as to—

(a) the form or manner in which an application is to be made;

(b) what is to be in, or is to accompany, an application.

(8) Tree preservation regulations may make provision for appeals—

(a) against refusal of consent;

(b) where there is a failure to decide an application for consent;

(d) against refusal of an approval required by a condition;

(e) where there is a failure to decide an application for such an approval.

(9) Tree preservation regulations may make provision in connection with appeals under provision made under subsection (8), including—

(a) provision imposing time limits;

(b) provision for further appeals;

(d) provision about who is to decide an appeal (or further appeal);

(e) provision imposing duties, or conferring powers, on a person deciding an appeal (or further appeal).

Tree preservation regulations: compensation

202E

(1) Tree preservation regulations may make provision for the payment of compensation—

(a) where any consent required under tree preservation regulations is refused;

(b) where any such consent is given subject to conditions;

(2) Tree preservation regulations may provide for entitlement conferred under subsection (1) to apply only in, or to apply except in, cases specified in tree preservation regulations.

(3) Tree preservation regulations may provide for entitlement conferred by provision under subsection (1) to be subject to conditions, including conditions as to time limits.

(4) Tree preservation regulations may, in relation to compensation under provision under subsection (1), make provision about—

(a) who is to pay the compensation;

(b) who is entitled to the compensation;

(d) the amount, or calculation of, the compensation.

(5) Tree preservation regulations may make provision about the procedure to be followed in connection with claiming any entitlement conferred by provision under subsection (1).

(6) Tree preservation regulations may make provision for the determination of disputes about entitlement conferred by provision under subsection (1), including provision for and in connection with the referral of any such disputes to, and their determination by, the First-tier Tribunal or the Upper Tribunal.

Tree preservation regulations: registers

202F

Tree preservation regulations may make provision for the keeping of, and public access to, registers containing information related to tree preservation orders.

Tree preservation regulations: supplementary

202G

(1) Tree preservation regulations may provide for the application (with or without modifications) of, or make provision comparable to, any provision of this Act mentioned in subsection (2).

(2) The provisions are any provision of Part 3 relating to planning permission or applications for planning permission, except sections 56, 62, 65, 69(3) and (4), 71, 91 to 96, 100 and 101 and Schedule 8.

(3) Tree preservation regulations may make provision comparable to—

(a) any provision made by the Town and Country Planning (Tree Preservation Order) Regulations 1969 or the Town and Country Planning (Trees) Regulations 1999;

(b) any provision that could have been made under section 199(2) and (3).

(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Compensation for loss or damage caused by orders, etc.

Compensation in respect of tree preservation orders.

203

A tree preservation order may make provision for the payment by the local planning authority, subject to such exceptions and conditions as may be specified in the order, of compensation in respect of loss or damage caused or incurred in consequence—

(a) of the refusal of any consent required under the order, or

(b) of the grant of any such consent subject to conditions.

Compensation in respect of requirement as to replanting of trees.

204

(1) This section applies where—

(a) in pursuance of provision made by a tree preservation order, a direction is given by the local planning authority or the Secretary of State for securing the replanting of all or any part of a woodland area which is felled in the course of forestry operations permitted by or under the order; and

(b) the Natural Resources Body for Wales decide not to make any grant or loan under article 10B of the Natural Resources Body for Wales (Establishment) Order 2012 (S.I.2012/1903) in respect of the replanting by reason that the direction frustrates the use of the woodland area for the growing of timber or other forest products for commercial purposes and in accordance with the rules or practice of good forestry.

(2) Where this section applies, the local planning authority exercising functions under the tree preservation order shall be liable, on the making of a claim in accordance with this section, to pay compensation in respect of such loss or damage, if any, as is caused or incurred in consequence of compliance with the direction.

(3) The Natural Resources Body for Wales shall, at the request of the person under a duty to comply with such a direction as is mentioned in subsection (1)(a), give a certificate stating—

(a) whether they have decided not to make such a grant or loan as is mentioned in subsection (1)(b), and

(b) if so, the grounds for their decision.

(4) A claim for compensation under this section must be served on the local planning authority—

(a) within 12 months from the date on which the direction was given, or

(b) where an appeal has been made to the Secretary of State against the decision of the local planning authority, within 12 months from the date of the decision of the Secretary of State on the appeal,

but subject in either case to such extension of that period as the local planning authority may allow.

Determination of compensation claims.

205

(1) Except in so far as may be otherwise provided by any tree preservation order or any regulations made under this Act, any question of disputed compensation under section 203 or 204 shall be referred to and determined by the Upper Tribunal.

(2) In relation to the determination of any such question, the provisions of section 4 of the Land Compensation Act 1961 shall apply subject to any necessary modifications and to the provisions of any regulations made under this Act.

Consequences of tree removal, etc.

Replacement of trees.

206

(1) If any tree in respect of which a tree preservation order is for the time being in force—

(a) is removed, uprooted or destroyed in contravention of the order tree preservation regulations, or

(b) except in the case of a tree to which the order applies as part of a woodland, is removed, uprooted or destroyed or dies at a time when its cutting down or uprooting is authorised only by virtue of section 198(6)(a), at a prescribed time,

it shall be the duty of the owner of the land to plant another tree of an appropriate size and species at the same place as soon as he reasonably can.

(2) The duty imposed by subsection (1) does not apply to an owner if on application by him the local planning authority dispense with it.

(3) In respect of trees in a woodland it shall be sufficient for the purposes of this section to replace the trees removed, uprooted or destroyed by planting the same number of trees—

(a) on or near the land on which the trees removed, uprooted or destroyed stood, or

(b) on such other land as may be agreed between the local planning authority and the owner of the land,

and in such places as may be designated by the local planning authority.

(4) In relation to any tree planted pursuant to this section, the relevant tree preservation order shall apply as it applied to the original tree.

(5) The duty imposed by subsection (1) on the owner of any land shall attach to the person who is from time to time the owner of the land.

Enforcement of duties as to replacement of trees.

207

(1) If it appears to the local planning authority that—

(a) the provisions of section 206, or

(b) any conditions of a consent given under a tree preservation order tree preservation regulations which require the replacement of trees,

are not complied with in the case of any tree or trees, that authority may serve on the owner of the land a notice requiring him, within such period as may be specified in the notice, to plant a tree or trees of such size and species as may be so specified.

(2) A notice under subsection (1) may only be served within four years from the date of the alleged failure to comply with those provisions or conditions.

(3) A notice under subsection (1) shall specify a period at the end of which it is to take effect.

(4) The specified period shall be a period of not less than twenty-eight days beginning with the date of service of the notice.

(5) The duty imposed by section 206(1) may only be enforced as provided by this section and not otherwise.

Appeals against s. 207 notices.

208

(1) A person on whom a notice under section 207(1) is served may appeal to the Secretary of State against the notice on any of the following grounds—

(a) that the provisions of section 206 or, as the case may be, the conditions mentioned in section 207(1)(b) are not applicable or have been complied with;

(aa) that in all the circumstances of the case the duty imposed by section 206(1) should be dispensed with in relation to any tree;

(b) that the requirements of the notice are unreasonable in respect of the period or the size or species of trees specified in it;

(c) that the planting of a tree or trees in accordance with the notice is not required in the interests of amenity or would be contrary to the practice of good forestry;

(d) that the place on which the tree is or trees are required to be planted is unsuitable for that purpose.

(2) An appeal under subsection (1) shall be made either—

(a) by giving written notice of the appeal to the Secretary of State before the end of the period specified in accordance with section 207(3); or

(b) by sending such notice to him in a properly addressed and pre-paid letter posted to him at such time that, in the ordinary course of post, it would be delivered to him before the end of that period.

(4) The notice shall—

(a) indicate the grounds of the appeal,

(b) state the facts on which the appeal is based, and

(4A) The power to make regulations under subsection (4)(c) is exercisable by—

(a) the Secretary of State, in relation to England;

(b) the Welsh Ministers, in relation to Wales.

(4B) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5) On an appeal under subsection (1) the Secretary of State shall, if either the appellant or the local planning authority so desire, give each of them an opportunity of appearing before and being heard by a person appointed by the Secretary of State for the purpose.

(5B) Subsection (5) does not apply to an appeal to the Welsh Ministers.

(6) Where an appeal is brought under subsection (1), the notice under section 207(1) shall be of no effect pending the final determination or the withdrawal of the appeal.

(7) On such an appeal the Secretary of State may—

(a) correct any defect, error or misdescription in the notice; or

(b) vary any of its requirements,

if he is satisfied that the correction or variation will not cause injustice to the appellant or the local planning authority.

(8) Where the Secretary of State determines to allow the appeal, he may quash the notice.

(8A) The Secretary of State shall give any directions necessary to give effect to his determination on the appeal.

(9) Schedule 6 applies to appeals under this section.

(10) Where any person has appealed to the Secretary of State under this section against a notice, neither that person nor any other shall be entitled, in any other proceedings instituted after the making of the appeal, to claim that the notice was not duly served on the person who appealed.

(11) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Execution and cost of works required by s. 207 notice.

209

(1) If, within the period specified in a notice under section 207(1) for compliance with it, or within such extended period as the local planning authority may allow, any trees which are required to be planted by a notice under that section have not been planted, the local planning authority may—

(a) enter the land and plant those trees, and

(b) recover from the person who is then the owner of the land any expenses reasonably incurred by them in doing so.

(2) Where such a notice has been served—

(a) any expenses incurred by the owner of any land for the purpose of complying with the notice, and

(b) any sums paid by the owner of any land under subsection (1) in respect of expenses incurred by the local planning authority in planting trees required by such a notice to be planted,

shall be deemed to be incurred or paid for the use and at the request of any person, other than the owner, responsible for the cutting down, destruction or removal of the original tree or trees.

(3) Regulations made under this Act may provide that—

(a) section 276 of the Public Health Act 1936 (power of local authorities to sell materials removed in executing works under that Act subject to accounting for the proceeds of sale);

(b) section 289 of that Act (power to require the occupier of any premises to permit works to be executed by the owner of the premises); or

(c) section 294 of that Act (limit on liability of persons holding premises as agents or trustees in respect of the expenses recoverable under that Act),

shall apply, subject to such adaptations and modifications as may be specified in the regulations, in relation to any steps required to be taken by a notice under section 207(1).

(4) Regulations under subsection (3) applying section 289 of the Public Health Act 1936 may include adaptations and modifications for the purpose of giving the owner of land to which such a notice relates the right, as against all other persons interested in the land, to comply with the requirements of the notice.

(5) Regulations under subsection (3) may also provide for the charging on the land of any expenses recoverable by a local authority or National Park authority under subsection (1).

(6) Any person who wilfully obstructs a person acting in the exercise of the power under subsection (1)(a) shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

Penalties for non-compliance with tree preservation order regulations .

210

(1) If any person, in contravention of a tree preservation order tree preservation regulations —

(a) cuts down, uproots or wilfully destroys a tree, or

(b) wilfully damages, tops or lops a tree in such a manner as to be likely to destroy it, or

he shall be guilty of an offence.

(2) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (1) shall be liable on summary conviction, or on conviction on indictment, to a fine.

(3) In determining the amount of any fine to be imposed on a person convicted . . . of an offence under subsection (1), the court shall in particular have regard to any financial benefit which has accrued or appears likely to accrue to him in consequence of the offence.

(4) If any person contravenes the provisions of a tree preservation order tree preservation regulations otherwise than as mentioned in subsection (1), he shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.

(4A) Proceedings for an offence under subsection (4) may be brought within the period of 6 months beginning with the date on which evidence sufficient in the opinion of the prosecutor to justify the proceedings came to the prosecutor's knowledge.

(4B) Subsection (4A) does not authorise the commencement of proceedings for an offence more than 3 years after the date on which the offence was committed.

(4C) For the purposes of subsection (4A), a certificate—

(a) signed by or on behalf of the prosecutor, and

(b) stating the date on which evidence sufficient in the prosecutor's opinion to justify the proceedings came to the prosecutor's knowledge,

is conclusive evidence of that fact.

(4D) A certificate stating that matter and purporting to be so signed is to be deemed to be so signed unless the contrary is proved.

(4E) Subsection (4A) does not apply in relation to an offence in respect of a tree in Wales.

(5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Trees in conservation areas

Preservation of trees in conservation areas.

211

(1) Subject to the provisions of this section and section 212, any person who, in relation to a tree to which this section applies, does any act which might by virtue of section 198(3)(a) be prohibited by a tree preservation order which might by virtue of section 202C be prohibited by tree preservation regulations shall be guilty of an offence.

(1A) Subsection (1) does not apply so far as the act in question is authorised by an order granting development consent or by infrastructure consent order.

(2) Subject to section 212, this section applies to any tree in a conservation area in respect of which no tree preservation order is for the time being in force.

(3) It shall be a defence for a person charged with an offence under subsection (1) to prove—

(a) that he served notice of his intention to do the act in question (with sufficient particulars to identify the tree) on the local planning authority in whose area the tree is or was situated; and

(b) that he did the act in question—

(i) with the consent of the local planning authority in whose area the tree is or was situated, or

(ii) after the expiry of the period of six weeks from the date of the notice but before the expiry of the period of two years from that date.

(4) Section 210 shall apply to an offence under this section as it applies to a contravention of a tree preservation order tree preservation regulations .

(5) An emanation of the Crown must not, in relation to a tree to which this section applies, do an act mentioned in subsection (1) above unless—

(a) the first condition is satisfied, and

(b) either the second or third condition is satisfied.

(5A) Subsection (5) does not apply so far as the act in question is authorised by an order granting development consent or by infrastructure consent order.

(6) The first condition is that the emanation serves notice of an intention to do the act (with sufficient particulars to identify the tree) on the local planning authority in whose area the tree is situated.

(7) The second condition is that the act is done with the consent of the authority.

(8) The third condition is that the act is done—

(a) after the end of the period of six weeks starting with the date of the notice, and

(b) before the end of the period of two years starting with that date.

Power to disapply s. 211.

212

(1) The Secretary of State may by regulations direct that section 211 shall not apply in such cases as may be specified in the regulations.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), the regulations may be framed so as to exempt from the application of that section cases defined by reference to all or any of the following matters—

(a) acts of such descriptions or done in such circumstances or subject to such conditions as may be specified in the regulations;

(b) trees in such conservation areas as may be so specified;

(d) trees belonging to persons or bodies of a description so specified.

(3) The regulations may, in relation to any matter by reference to which an exemption is conferred by them, make different provision for different circumstances.

(4) Regulations under subsection (1) may in particular, but without prejudice to the generality of that subsection, exempt from the application of section 211 cases exempted from section 198 by subsection (6) of that section.

Enforcement of controls as respects trees in conservation areas.

213

(1) If any tree to which section 211 applies—

(a) is removed, uprooted or destroyed in contravention of that section; or

(b) is removed, uprooted or destroyed or dies at a time when its cutting down or uprooting is authorised only by virtue of the provisions of such regulations under subsection (1) of section 212 as are mentioned in subsection (4) of that section, at a prescribed time,

it shall be the duty of the owner of the land to plant another tree of an appropriate size and species at the same place as soon as he reasonably can.

(2) The duty imposed by subsection (1) does not apply to an owner if on application by him the local planning authority dispense with it.

(3) The duty imposed by subsection (1) on the owner of any land attaches to the person who is from time to time the owner of the land and may be enforced as provided by section 207 and not otherwise.

Registers of s. 211 notices.

214

It shall be the duty of a local planning authority to compile and keep available for public inspection free of charge at all reasonable hours and at a convenient place a register containing such particulars as the Secretary of State may determine of notices under section 211 affecting trees in their area.

Injunctions

Injunctions.

214A

(1) Where a local planning authority consider it necessary or expedient for an actual or apprehended offence under section 210 or 211 to be restrained by injunction, they may apply to the court for an injunction, whether or not they have exercised or are proposing to exercise any of their other powers under this Chapter.

(2) Subsections (2) to (4) of section 187B apply to an application under this section as they apply to an application under that section.

Rights of entry

Rights to enter without warrant.

214B

(1) Any person duly authorised in writing by a local planning authority may enter any land for the purpose of—

(a) surveying it in connection with making or confirming a tree preservation order with respect to the land;

(b) ascertaining whether an offence under section 210 or 211 has been committed on the land; or

if there are reasonable grounds for entering for the purpose in question.

(2) Any person duly authorised in writing by the Secretary of State may enter any land for the purpose of surveying it in connection with making, amending or revoking a tree preservation order with respect to the land, if there are reasonable grounds for entering for that purpose.

(3) Any person who is duly authorised in writing by a local planning authority may enter any land in connection with the exercise of any functions conferred on the authority by or under this Chapter.

(4) Any person who is an officer of the Valuation Office may enter any land for the purpose of surveying it, or estimating its value, in connection with a claim for compensation in respect of any land which is payable by the local planning authority under this Chapter (other than section 204).

(5) Any person who is duly authorised in writing by the Secretary of State may enter any land in connection with the exercise of any functions conferred on the Secretary of State by or under this Chapter.

(6) The Secretary of State shall not authorise any person as mentioned in subsection (2) without consulting the local planning authority.

(7) Admission shall not be demanded as of right—

(a) by virtue of subsection (1) or (2) to any building used as a dwellinghouse; or

(b) by virtue of subsection (3), (4) or (5) to any land which is occupied,

unless twenty-four hours’ notice of the intended entry has been given to the occupier.

(8) Any right to enter by virtue of this section shall be exercised at a reasonable hour.

Right to enter under warrant.

214C

(1) If it is shown to the satisfaction of a justice of the peace on sworn information in writing—

(a) that there are reasonable grounds for entering any land for any of the purposes mentioned in section 214B(1) or (2); and

(b) that—

(i) admission to the land has been refused, or a refusal is reasonably apprehended; or

(ii) the case is one of urgency,

the justice may issue a warrant authorising any person duly authorised in writing by a local planning authority or, as the case may be, the Secretary of State to enter the land.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1)(b)(i) admission to land shall be regarded as having been refused if no reply is received to a request for admission within a reasonable period.

(3) A warrant authorises entry on one occasion only and that entry must be—

(a) within one month from the date of the issue of the warrant; and

(b) at a reasonable hour, unless the case is one of urgency.

Rights of entry: supplementary provisions.

214D

(1) Any power conferred under or by virtue of section 214B or 214C to enter land (referred to in this section as “a right of entry”) shall be construed as including power to take samples from any tree and samples of the soil.

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Town and Country Planning Act 1990

Enforcement by the Secretary of State.

182

Stop notices

Stop notices.

183

Stop notices: supplementary provisions.

184

Service of stop notices by Secretary of State.

185

Compensation for loss due to stop notice.

186

Penalties for contravention of stop notice.

187

Breach of condition

Enforcement of conditions.

187A

Injunctions

Injunctions restraining breaches of planning control.

187B

Registers

Register of enforcement and stop notices and other enforcement action.

188

Enforcement of orders for discontinuance of use, etc.

Penalties for contravention of orders under s. 102 and Schedule 9.

189

Enforcement of orders under s. 102 and Schedule 9.

190

Certificate of lawful use or development

Certificate of lawfulness of existing use or development.

191

Certificate of lawfulness of proposed use or development.

192

Certificates under sections 191 and 192: supplementary provisions.

193

Offences.

194

Appeals against refusal or failure to give decision on application.

195

Further provisions as to references and appeals to the Secretary of State.

196

Rights of entry for enforcement purposes

Rights to enter without warrant.

196A

Right to enter under warrant.

196B

Rights of entry: supplementary provisions.

196C

Conservation areas

Offence of failing to obtain planning permission for demolition of unlisted etc buildings in conservation areas in England

196D

Relief from enforcement

Power to provide relief from enforcement of planning conditions

196E

Part VIII — Special Controls

Chapter I — Trees

General duty of planning authorities as respects trees

Planning permission to include appropriate provision for preservation and planting of trees.

197

Tree preservation orders

Power to make tree preservation orders.

198

Form of and procedure applicable to orders.

199

Tree preservation orders: Forestry Commissioners and Natural Resources Body for Wales

200

Provisional tree preservation orders.

201

Power for Secretary of State to make tree preservation orders.

202

Tree preservation regulations: general

202A

Tree preservation regulations: making of tree preservation orders

202B

Tree preservation regulations: prohibited activities

202C

Tree preservation regulations: consent for prohibited activities

202D

Tree preservation regulations: compensation

202E