Breaches of planning rules

The Park Authority and local authorities monitor planning permissions that they have granted. Together we have powers to enforce planning conditions if a development does not comply with them, and control development that takes place without the correct permission.

The enforcement register lists cases where we have served enforcement notices.

Our enforcement charter explains how the planning enforcement process works, the role of the Park Authority and the service standards we have set.

Planning enforcement guidance documents

Planning Enforcement Register for the Cairngorms National Park

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This document contains a planning enforcement register, updated in October 2025, which lists cases where planning rules weren't followed for various developments and land uses. It details a range of situations, such as building without the necessary permission, making unauthorised changes to agricultural land, putting up signs without consent, upgrading tracks without proper notification, or not completing approved infrastructure like roads or play areas for new homes. You'll also see cases involving environmental concerns, like works affecting flood zones or impacting protected species. For each entry, the register explains the breach, what actions were required to fix it (such as removing structures or submitting new plans), and the outcome, including whether the notice was complied with, withdrawn, or if an appeal was dismissed.

Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.

Planning Enforcement Charter for the Cairngorms National Park

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This document contains the Cairngorms National Park Authority's (Park Authority) Planning Enforcement Charter, updated in November 2025. The charter explains how planning enforcement works in the National Park, detailing the roles of the Park Authority and local authorities in the process. It aims to ensure fair, reasonable, consistent, and accountable procedures when addressing breaches of planning control, which occur when development happens without permission or doesn't follow approved plans. The document outlines how to report suspected breaches, how investigations are prioritized, and what actions can be taken if a breach has occurred, including formal notices and potential consequences. It also explains the Park Authority's process for monitoring major developments and provides contact information for planning enforcement teams, as well as outlining the service standards of each planning authority.

Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.

Which authority do I report to?

The Cairngorms National Park Authority is a call in authority. Applications within the National Park boundary will only be dealt with by the Park Authority if the application poses issues of significance to the National Park aims. Applications not dealt with by the Park Authority are determined by the relevant local authority.

If the breach falls into one or more of the following categories, then it is likely the Park Authority would be the lead authority for determination and enforcement.

• Tracks, hill tracks, estate tracks, footpaths and those which could have a potential impact upon important natural and cultural heritage interests and / or sites of particular landscape sensitivities.
• Wind turbines, hydro schemes or large solar panel farms.
• Minerals applications - quarries and borrow pits.
• Housing - five or more residential units within a settlement.
• Housing - three or more residential units outside a settlement.
• More than 250m² gross floor area, or 0.25ha, of employment space outside settlements.
• Listed building consent applications that involve major external or internal changes or are otherwise linked to an application of type 1.
• Conservation area consent applications linked to another application of type 1.

If the breach does not fall into one of the above categories, then it is likely that the relevant local authority will be the lead authority and therefore should be notified. If you are unsure who to inform, please contact our Planning team who will determine the above and pass the case on to the relevant authority.

What do I need to report a breach?

If you decide to report a suspected breach, the planning authority will need:

• The address of the property concerned.
• The name of the owner of the property and if you know, the person responsible for the suspected breach.
• Details of the suspected breach of planning control, with times and dates if relevant.
• Your name, telephone number, address and if possible, email address.
• Information on how the breach affects you.