Do you know what to do if you think your neighbour might be flouting planning regulations? <br><br>Islington's planning department is changing the way it works to be more responsive to residents enquiries and complaints. Proposed changes to the service will be unveiled at Council Executive on Tuesday 17 April 2007.<br><br>Cllr Lucy Watt, Executive Member for Environment, Islington Council said: "Local people tell us they care about the built environment in Islington. They want better advice on their rights and they want the council to take prompt action when planning rules are flouted.<br><br>"We've listened. Making these changes means we can offer a more responsive service. <br><br>"Residents can help us, for example by letting us know if they suspect a listed building is being damaged or a protected tree is being cut down."<br><br>The new standards include a promise to respond to urgent issues within 24 hours and to undertake a site visit within five days for a variety of complaints such as minor works to listed buildings or demolition within conservation areas. <br><br>Planning rules cover many aspects of life in cities including changing the use of buildings, creating extensions, the placement of satellite dishes and where outdoor advertising is allowed. Islington Council is committed to creating a cleaner, more pleasant and sustainable environment for everyone despite space pressures on the borough which is experiencing a period of rapid population growth.<br><br>A new leaflet clarifies in detail the council's planning enforcement work and when it can step in to check out whether someone has carried out building work without getting the correct permission. <br><br>The Planning enforcement team will continue to report to the Area Planning Sub-Committees.<br><br>Islington's Planning department saw 588 investigations in 2006/7 following breaches of planning regulations. <br><br>For more information on planning enforcement in Islington, call 020 7527 2000.<br><br>ends<br>
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009