THE number of planning enforcement notices issued by Lichfield District Council in the first half of 2026 is already more than in the whole of last year, according to a new report.
The update, set to be presented to a meeting of the local authority's planning committee, said that a reduction in the overall number of new complaints being made had allowed officers to take action on the most serious breaches of regulations.
Data released in the report also highlights specific areas of the district where current enforcement investigations are taking place prior to any formal action.
St Johns ward currently tops the list with 21 active casess, closely followed by Armitage with Handsacre with 20.
Other areas seeing significant activity include Stowe with 17 cases and Little Aston and Stonnall with 15 cases.
The report said that work was taking place to ensure the number of investigations did not rise significantly.
"Between 14th November 2025 and 16th June 2026, 128 cases were resolved.
"The team continues to close at least as many cases as it receives, helping to ensure that overall case numbers do not increase to unmanageable levels, as has occurred in the past."
The report added that the length of time to close some cases where formal enforcement action has been taken remained "frustrating".
"It is acknowledged that a small number of challenging, longstanding cases remain open where formal enforcement action has been taken. Efforts continue to resolve these matters as soon as practicable.
"At this point it is also important to recognise the time taken by the Planning Inspectorate to determine enforcement appeals, with some decisions taking more than 12 months following the service of an enforcement notice.
"This remains frustrating and reinforces the importance of resolving cases through negotiation or other appropriate means outside of formal action wherever possible."
The report will be debated at a meeting of Lichfield District Council's planning committee on 29th June.
