Explanatory Memorandum

Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011

2011 CHAPTER 25

4 May 2011

Commentary on Sections

Part 5: Enforcement.

Section 132: Time limits

This section sets out new time periods within which action may be taken in respect of breaches of planning control. Where the breach consists of carrying out without planning permission of building, engineering, mining or other operations no enforcement action may be taken after 5 years beginning with the date on which the operations were substantially completed. If the breach consists in the change of use of any building to use as a single dwelling-house, no enforcement action may be taken after 5 years beginning with the date of the breach.

In the case of any other breach of planning control, including other changes of use, no enforcement action may be taken after the end of 5 years beginning with the date of the breach.