Local Enforcement Plan
As of 1st July 2025, Winchester City Council has published an updated Local Enforcement Plan. This revision follows a series of workshops held with Local Parish Representatives, led by our Cabinet Member for Place and the Local Plan, Councillor Jackie Porter.
The updated plan incorporates feedback from both the parish workshops and a public consultation. The Plan has been redrafted to better address the concerns raised and reflect the preferred approaches identified by local communities.
Building on the foundations of the 2020 plan, it outlines how Winchester City Council will monitor the implementation of planning permissions, investigate unauthorised developments, and take appropriate action where necessary.
The Council is firmly committed to protecting and enhancing both the natural and built environments throughout every stage of the planning process.
While enforcement action must always be proportionate, the Council has a range of tools at its disposal, including legal measures, to address non-compliance. Wherever possible, we aim to resolve minor or unintentional breaches through dialogue and retrospective applications. However, more serious violations — particularly those that harm local amenity or the environment — are likely to result in formal enforcement action.
To support applicants and prevent issues before they arise, the Council also offers a Pre-Application Advice Service. This service helps individuals and organisations understand planning requirements before submitting formal applications. More information about this service can be found here: www.winchester.gov.uk/planning/pre-application-service.
If you have any queries or need to report a planning issue, please use the following link: www.winchester.gov.uk/planning/planning-enforcement/report-a-suspected-breach-of-planning-control.