Have your say on West Berkshire's draft Planning Enforcement Plan

West Berkshire Council is inviting residents to share their views on the draft Planning Enforcement Plan during a six-week public consultation running until Monday, 9 March 2026.

Planning enforcement plays a vital role in ensuring development across West Berkshire is carried out in line with planning permissions, helping to protect the character and amenity of our communities.

As the Local Planning Authority, the Council receives an average of 60 new enforcement cases every month. Around half of these are found not to be breaches or not expedient to pursue, making it essential that our approach is fair, clear and focused on the most serious planning harm.

The draft Planning Enforcement Plan (PEP) sets out how the Council will handle complaints, prioritise investigations and decide when formal action may be taken. It introduces a revised prioritisation system to ensure resources are directed to the most significant breaches, including a new Category 4 for low-priority cases.

This consultation supports the Council's priorities to protect our communities, maintain a strong local environment and ensure transparency in decision-making. By improving how we prioritise enforcement, we aim to build public confidence in the planning system and make sure resources are used effectively.

The consultation opens on 26 January 2026 and will close at 5pm on 9 March 2026. Feedback received will help shape the final plan, which will be considered by the Executive in May 2026.

Councillor Denise Gaines, Executive Member for Planning and Housing, said:

"Planning enforcement is essential to maintaining trust in the planning system and protecting our communities. We want to make sure our approach is fair, proportionate and focused on what matters most. Your feedback will help us get this right, so please take a few minutes to share your views."

Residents can view the draft plan and complete the short survey online, or request paper copies at the Council offices in Market Street, Newbury.

For more information and to take part, visit https://www.westberks.gov.uk/draft-planning-enforcement-plan.