Ansty Parish Council plays an important part in the local planning system, but it is not the body responsible for enforcing planning regulations. Planning enforcement is carried out solely by Wiltshire Council, which has the legal powers to investigate and act where necessary. This document explains what the Parish Council can and cannot do, and how residents should report concerns. However, our advice to everyone considering undertaking works is to check with Wiltshire Council before starting anything, so as to avoid any possible infringement or conflicts occurring…
What the Parish Council Can Do
1. Act as the “eyes and ears” of the village
Councillors may become aware of potential planning issues through routine parish business or when concerns are raised by residents. In these cases, the Parish Council may:
• Note the concern
• Review the matter in a neutral and factual way
• Report the issue to Wiltshire Council if it appears to be a legitimate planning matter
• Record the action in the Council’s minutes
This helps ensure that the character of Ansty—particularly as a Conservation Area—is protected.
2. Provide information to Residents
The Parish Council can guide residents on:
• How to report a suspected breach
• What constitutes a planning matter
• Where to find planning policies and guidance
3. Comment on planning applications
As a statutory consultee, the Parish Council reviews and comments on planning applications submitted within the parish. These comments help Wiltshire Council understand local context and community views.
What the Parish Council Cannot Do
1. Investigate planning breaches
The Parish Council has no authority to:
• Enter private land
• Request documents
• Demand changes to a property
• Conduct enforcement investigations
Only Wiltshire Council’s Planning Enforcement Team has these powers.
2. Take enforcement action
The Parish Council cannot issue:
• Enforcement notices
• Stop notices
• Penalties
• Legal instructions
All enforcement decisions rest with Wiltshire Council.
3. Intervene in neighbour disputes
If a concern is purely personal or not related to planning law, the Parish Council cannot become involved.
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How to Report a Suspected Planning Breach
If a resident believes that development is taking place without the necessary permissions—such as:
- Development that does not comply with approved plans
- Demolition of a building over 115 cubic meters or a gate, wall or enclosure 1 metre or higher next to a highway, waterway, or open space
- Work on extensions or outbuildings which would materially alter the building’s appearance
- Changing of windows and doors and adding double glazing
- Altering external cladding, painting the exterior a different colour
- Roof alterations including installation of solar panels, roof lights, chimney removal or changing roofing materials
- Garden buildings such as sheds & home offices, carports and hard standing in front gardens
- Using a residential property as short-term holiday accommodation (such as Airbnb) where this represents a material change of use
- Work on any tree with a. trunk diameter over 75mm at 1,5m height
They should report their concerns directly to Wiltshire Council Planning Enforcement.
Wiltshire Council requires:
• The address of the property
• A description of the suspected breach
• Details of any harm or impact
• The name and contact details of the person reporting
Anonymous reports cannot be accepted.
Residents may also inform the Parish Council for awareness, but the Council cannot act on their behalf.
Why This Matters…
Ansty’s designation, much of it as a Conservation Area means that certain types of development require additional care and oversight.
Protecting the historic and rural character of the village is a shared responsibility between residents, the Parish Council, and Wiltshire Council.
By following the correct reporting process, residents help ensure that planning rules are applied fairly and consistently.
PLEASE NOTE:
A list of local planning applications is provided externally by Wiltshire Council.