Budget cuts at Bristol City Council’s planning department have “given a green light” to cowboy builders and dodgy construction companies.
Staff numbers in the enforcement team have been cut in half over the last five years, leading to a direct drop in closed enforcement cases. Campaigners and councillors warned the lack of planning enforcement now taking place has meant an increase in builders breaking rules.
The council also issues far fewer enforcement notices than other similar sized cities, showing the problem is particularly affecting Bristol, with residents forced to live next to nightmare building sites and large protected trees chopped down without punishment. Planning bosses have said the problem is caused by too few staff and legal powers.
