Planning Compliance

One of the four key goals for the new Liberal Democrat/Residents administration was the improvement in planning enforcement. Two measures have already been put in place: to ensure a more communicative service; and, the redrafting of the Elmbridge's Planning Enforcement Charter in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The borough is to rename the team as the Planning Compliance Team. This would put greater emphasis on ensuring people complied with plans, conditions and the law, with enforcement being the end result in only the minority of cases. The new team will have access to a branded vehicle in order to remove incorrectly placed estate agents boards and other illegal advertisements, which they were currently unable to do as easily and regularly using staffs’ own vehicles. In addition, staff will also have their own uniform, in common with other borough staff carrying out compliance activities. The new team will introduce regular ‘surgeries’ and/or participation in existing events such as Let’s Talk Elmbridge in order to provide a greater and more visible presence with the public. To achieve this the number of compliance staff will be increased 33%.