After how many years can an enforcement notice no longer be served for building operations and change of use to a private dwelling?

• A. 2 years
• B. 10 years
• C. 6 years
• D. 4 years

Answer: (D)

Time limits govern when a local planning authority can take enforcement action. For unauthorised building operations and for changing a building’s use to a private dwelling, the enforcement power expires four years after the development was carried out (or after the last stage of the operation is completed). Once that four-year period has passed, an enforcement notice cannot be served for that breach. The ten-year limit applies to other types of breaches of planning control, not to these specific categories. So, four years is the correct timeframe.