Tewkesbury Borough Council is asking the public for feedback on how it protects the built and natural environment, through enforcing planning regulations.

A draft enforcement plan has been produced, which explains the council's approach, outlines its powers and details the ways in which planning breaches can be reported. It also summarises what can be expected of the council throughout the enforcement process. Officers are now keen to hear suggestions from local businesses and residents about how the service should operate and how improvements could be made.

Elaine MacTiernan, lead member for built environment said: "The way in which land is used and what is built on it affects us all. The planning system exists to help regulate this, but there are occasions when the rules are not followed. Enforcing these breaches is an important and necessary part of the planning system in order to protect people's quality of life, as well as the built and natural environment.

"This plan will help us ensure that customers have realistic expectations of the council, both when they report a breach to us and when they are being investigated. We welcome comments on how we can make improvements to this crucial service."

A copy of the plan can be found at tewkesbury.gov.uk/planning  where comments can also be made.