A NEW guide to dealing with inappropriate development outside the national park has been adopted.

New Forest District Council has formalised its Local Enforcement Plan, which will ensure tough action can be taken when a development is considered inappropriate or harmful.

The plan is available to view in the planning area of the council’s website, www.newforest.gov.uk.

It outlines when the council will take action, the nature of the action, the timescales involved and the reasons why the council may decide not to take any action in some cases. The plan also explains the significant risk people take when they rely on the granting of retrospective permission.

Councillor Paul Vickers, pictured right, portfolio holder for planning and transportation, said: “Our residents rightly expect the council to have a robust process for planning enforcement, and I am very pleased we have now adopted a revised enforcement plan for the district after extensive consultation.

“All councillors are aware of the negative impact illegal or inappropriate development has on the community and, often, on specific individuals.

“We are also aware that with the recent extensions to permitted development rights and other changes in planning law, the opportunity for abuse has increased. It is therefore very important that residents understand how these situations can be addressed and the powers that are available. We look forward to using this plan to support our vigorous approach to planning enforcement.”