To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the time limit is after which illegal building is out of time for enforcement; and if she will make a statement. (100867)

In relation to contraventions of the building regulations, under the Building Act 1984, local authorities have from the completion of works:

six months in which to take forward prosecutions under section 35;

and 12 months in which to issue a section 36 notice requiring the owner to pull down, remove or alter the work.

The ability of local authorities, the Attorney General or other persons to apply for an injunction under section 36 (6) for the removal or alteration of non compliant work is not subject to a statutory time limit.