Building without planning permission - what are the risks?

Failure to comply with an enforcement notice within the specified time can result in a criminal prosecution and the imposition of a penalty, warns rural solicitor Karen Walsh.

Failure to comply with an enforcement notice within the specified time can result in a criminal prosecution and the imposition of a penalty, warns rural solicitor Karen Walsh. File picture.

Dear Karen, 

I received a letter from the council regarding alleged unauthorised farm buildings located on my farm, requesting that I respond within four weeks before they decide whether to issue an enforcement notice. What does on earth does this mean?