Overview
The complainant (Mr C) complained about North Ayrshire Council (the Council)'s handling of a planning matter relating to a site adjacent to his property which had been the subject of a number of planning proposals. He was aggrieved because the contractor carried out unauthorised works and he alleged that the Council delayed in taking enforcement action.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that the Council:
- (a) delayed in taking action against the contractor (upheld); and
- (b) delayed in taking action following the decision to serve an enforcement notice (not upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Council:
- (i) apologise to Mr C for failing to deal efficiently with his complaints; and
- (ii) produce internal guidance on good practice in Planning Enforcement which should include advice for officers on the need to maintain properly documented records of their investigation of each case.
The Council have accepted the recommendations and have confirmed that arrangements have been made to act on them.