Planning Enforcement Training
Ivy Legal hosts regular live virtual training courses on various topics
September 2025
Certificate in Planning Enforcement (CPE) Module 1 & Module 3 (1 September 2025) - 4 Months
More informationOn 1 September we start with Module 1 of our new intake and we continue with Module 3 of our January 2025 intake
Certificate in Planning Enforcement (CPE)
The course is aimed at both new and more seasoned planning enforcement officers and aims to provide a thorough grounding in the legal and practical aspects of planning enforcement.
The course provides officers with a thorough grounding in the principles behind their planning enforcement powers and, through case studies and small group work, examples of the exercise of those powers in practice and the pitfalls and strategies which can be employed.
Training involves a mixture of taught (online) classes, case studies and small group work and we aim to make the training days as intensive and immersive as possible.
The Certificate in Planning Enforcement consists of 4 modules and can be completed consecutively or, exceptionally, out of order.
The certificate course runs over 16 months
Module 1 (Residential*)
Starting in September 2025
Training days on 16 & 17 October 2025
Looking at:
Introduction and principles of planning enforcement
Development, permission, immunity and expediency
Investigation powers, entry powers, safe working practices, sources of information
Negotiation and effective enforcement
Module 2 (Virtual)
Starting in January 2026
Training dates on 5 & 6 February 2026
Looking at:
Enforcement Notices and Breach of Condition notices – basis for issue, delegated powers, notice requirements, identifying the breach, identifying the steps, service and registration requirements.
Getting the notice and report right
Module 3 (Virtual)
Starting in May 2026
Training days on 11 & 12 June 2026
Looking at:
Appeals – preparation at notice stage, how to defend the appeal, different processes, roles of planning enforcement officer and/or advocate, evidence rules, practical application of the burden of proof.
Prosecutions – the offences, rules of evidence, how to write summons and witness statement, how to give evidence
Court challenges – s288 and 289 reviews and residual judicial review, nullity
Module 4 (Virtual)
Starting in September 2026
Training dates on 15 & 16 October 2026
Looking at:
Specialisms - trees, listed buildings and adverts
Specialist subjects, including gypsy & traveller cases, outbuildings, shisha, kiosks
The structure for all 4 modules each consists of
A self-study component
Completion of a quiz
Attendance of two on-line training days
Submission of an essay
Cost: £1500 plus VAT per module
The course will be led by Izindi Visagie, founder and partner at Ivy Legal and Mike Hyde of MH Planning Associates
We have 3 intakes running: January 2025, September 2025 & May 2026
For more infomation download this file
PACE & Planning Enforcement Prosecutions (4 September 2025) - Full day
Register onlineJoin us for our 1 day virtual workshop dealing with PACE and Planning Prosecutions. Looking at:
- Gathering evidence
- Drafting your witness statement
- Giving evidence (practical)
- Confiscation orders
Course runs from 9:30am to 4:30pm
Cost: £200 plus VAT per delegate
Presented by Izindi Visagie
BNG and Enforcement (19 September 2025) - Half day
Register onlineOur byte-size courses are half-day sessions delivered on Microsoft Teams from 9:30 to 12:00.
Navigating the complexities of planning law and practice can be challenging, but getting it right is essential to uphold the integrity of the planning system as a whole. These short courses are designed specifically for local authority professionals, providing clear, practical insights into key planning principles, topic based issues and enforcement powers.
Through real world case studies and expert-led discussions, participants will gain the knowledge and confidence to handle difficult issues effectively. Whether you're new to development management or enforcement, these courses will equip you with the tools to make informed, legally sound decisions in your role.
Statutory BNG seeks to create and improve the natural environment by requiring all new development to have a net gain on biodiversity. This session explains the guidance on monitoring and enforcing BNG for on-site gain. We also set out how to define potential breaches of planning control, consider expediency and the type of enforcement action LPAs can take. The course is aimed at planning enforcement officers and development management officers who want to ensure BNG is delivered.
Cost: £100 plus VAT per delegate
Group discounts are offered for multiple delegates from a single local authority.
Presented by Izindi Visagie
For more information download this file
Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) (26 September 2025) - Full day
Register onlineJoin us for our 1 day virtual workshop dealing with CIL. Looking at:
- Awareness of the regulations relevant to enforcement and prosecution.
- Administrative procedures and lessons learned from practice.
- Draw upon practical experience in appeals and litigation.
Course runs from 9:30am to 4:30pm
Cost: £ 200 plus VAT per delegate
Presented by Ros Eastman
October 2025
Material considerations - common issues arising in casework (6 October 2025) - Half day
Register onlineOur byte-size courses are half-day sessions delivered on Microsoft Teams from 9:30 to 12:00.
Navigating the complexities of planning law and practice can be challenging, but getting it right is essential to uphold the integrity of the planning system as a whole. These short courses are designed specifically for local authority professionals, providing clear, practical insights into key planning principles, topic based issues and enforcement powers.
Through real world case studies and expert-led discussions, participants will gain the knowledge and confidence to handle difficult issues effectively. Whether you're new to development management or enforcement, these courses will equip you with the tools to make informed, legally sound decisions in your role.
When assessing an application for planning permission or responding to planning or enforcement appeals where deemed application is made, it is often the “other material considerations” that cause confusion. This bitesize training session considers the principles established by the courts and explores how decision-makers approach subjects like fallback, human rights and the public sector equality duty. A practical and engaging session aimed at professional development of development management and enforcement officers.
Cost: £100 plus VAT per delegate
Group discounts are offered for multiple delegates from a single local authority.
Presented by Izindi Visagie
For more information download this file
Planning Enforcement Nuts & Bolts (30 & 31 October 2025) - 2 Full days
Register onlineJoin us for our 2 day virtual workshop dealing with the Planning Enforcement basics- Looking at:
- First Principles
- Investigations/fact finding
- Defining development
- The Enforcement ‘Toolkit’
Cost: £ 400 plus VAT per delegate
Presented by Izindi Visagie
November 2025
Certificate of Lawfulness (LDC) (6 November 2025) - Full day
Register onlineJoin us for our 1 day virtual workshop dealing with Certificate of Lawfulness. Looking at:
- Raise awareness of the legislation and case law relevant to determination of Certificates of Lawfulness;
- Draw upon practical experience in appeals and litigation.
Cost: £ 200 plus VAT per delegate
Presented by Izindi Visagie
Planning Enforcement and Advertisements (14 November 2025) - Full day
Register onlineJoin us for our 1 day virtual workshop dealing with Advertisements. Looking at:
- Legislation and guidance
- Deemed and express consent
- Advertisement enforcement
- Direct action
Cost: £ 200 plus VAT per delegate
Presented by Izindi Visagie and Mike Hyde
December 2025
Common themes in prior approval applications or appeals (9 December 2025) - Half day
Register onlineOur byte-size courses are half-day sessions delivered on Microsoft Teams from 9:30 to 12:00.
Navigating the complexities of planning law and practice can be challenging, but getting it right is essential to uphold the integrity of the planning system as a whole. These short courses are designed specifically for local authority professionals, providing clear, practical insights into key planning principles, topic based issues and enforcement powers.
Through real world case studies and expert-led discussions, participants will gain the knowledge and confidence to handle difficult issues effectively. Whether you're new to development management or enforcement, these courses will equip you with the tools to make informed, legally sound decisions in your role.
Certain types of development are granted planning permission by the General Permitted Development Order without the need to submit a planning application. Some permitted development rights are conditional on obtaining "prior approval" from the local planning authority. This short training course looks at the nuts & bolts of a prior approval procedure. By taking a practical approach to prior approval applications and appeals, the training aims to develop an understanding of common issues arising in casework. A practical and engaging session aimed at professional development of development management and enforcement officers.
Cost: £100 plus VAT per delegate
Group discounts are offered for multiple delegates from a single local authority.
Presented by Ros Eastman and Izindi Visagie
For more information download this file
January 2026
Certificate in Planning Enforcement (CPE) Module 2 & Module 4 (1 January 2026) - 4 Months
On 1 Janurary we continue with Module 2 of our September 2025 intake and we continue with Module 4 of our January 2025 intake
Certificate in Planning Enforcement (CPE)
The course is aimed at both new and more seasoned planning enforcement officers and aims to provide a thorough grounding in the legal and practical aspects of planning enforcement.
The course provides officers with a thorough grounding in the principles behind their planning enforcement powers and, through case studies and small group work, examples of the exercise of those powers in practice and the pitfalls and strategies which can be employed.
Training involves a mixture of taught (online) classes, case studies and small group work and we aim to make the training days as intensive and immersive as possible.
The Certificate in Planning Enforcement consists of 4 modules and can be completed consecutively or, exceptionally, out of order.
The certificate course runs over 16 months
Module 1 (Residential*)
Starting in September 2025
Training days on 16 & 17 October 2025
Looking at:
Introduction and principles of planning enforcement
Development, permission, immunity and expediency
Investigation powers, entry powers, safe working practices, sources of information
Negotiation and effective enforcement
Module 2 (Virtual)
Starting in January 2026
Training dates on 5 & 6 February 2026
Looking at:
Enforcement Notices and Breach of Condition notices – basis for issue, delegated powers, notice requirements, identifying the breach, identifying the steps, service and registration requirements.
Getting the notice and report right
Module 3 (Virtual)
Starting in May 2026
Training days on 11 & 12 June 2026
Looking at:
Appeals – preparation at notice stage, how to defend the appeal, different processes, roles of planning enforcement officer and/or advocate, evidence rules, practical application of the burden of proof.
Prosecutions – the offences, rules of evidence, how to write summons and witness statement, how to give evidence
Court challenges – s288 and 289 reviews and residual judicial review, nullity
Module 4 (Virtual)
Starting in September 2026
Training dates on 15 & 16 October 2026
Looking at:
Specialisms - trees, listed buildings and adverts
Specialist subjects, including gypsy & traveller cases, outbuildings, shisha, kiosks
The structure for all 4 modules each consists of
A self-study component
Completion of a quiz
Attendance of two on-line training days
Submission of an essay
Cost: £1500 plus VAT per module
The course will be led by Izindi Visagie, founder and partner at Ivy Legal and Mike Hyde of MH Planning Associates
We have 3 intakes running: January 2025, September 2025 & May 2026
For more infomation download this file
Enforcement Notices - Getting the notice right (22 January 2026) - Full day
Register onlineJoin us for our 1 day virtual workshop dealing with Enforcement Notices. Looking at:
- Breaches of planning control
- Investigating breaches
- Drafting enforcement notices
- Appeals
Course runs from 9:30am to 4:30pm
Cost: £200 plus VAT per delegate
Presented by Izindi Visagie and Mike Hyde
February 2026
Short Term Lets (26 February 2026) - Half day
Register onlineOur byte-size courses are half-day sessions delivered on Microsoft Teams from 9:30 to 12:00.
Navigating the complexities of planning law and practice can be challenging, but getting it right is essential to uphold the integrity of the planning system as a whole. These short courses are designed specifically for local authority professionals, providing clear, practical insights into key planning principles, topic based issues and enforcement powers.
Through real world case studies and expert-led discussions, participants will gain the knowledge and confidence to handle difficult issues effectively. Whether you're new to development management or enforcement, these courses will equip you with the tools to make informed, legally sound decisions in your role.
This training course will provide a focused and practical overview of how short-term lets, such as those advertised via platforms like Airbnb, interact with the planning enforcement system. The session will explore when the use of a property for short-term letting amounts to a material change of use requiring planning permission, and how to assess the planning unit and character of use. It will also address key enforcement challenges, including gathering evidence, distinguishing between ancillary and primary short-term use, and dealing with intermittent occupation. Participants will examine recent appeal decisions and case law, consider the use of Planning Contravention Notices (PCNs), and discuss appropriate enforcement action and remedies. The course will include case studies, discussion of local policy approaches, and practical guidance on drafting robust evidence and notices in short-term let cases. Designed for planning enforcement officers of all levels, the training will support confident and proportionate action in this evolving area of work.
Cost: £100 plus VAT per delegate
Group discounts are offered for multiple delegates from a single local authority.
Presented by Izindi Visagie
For more information download this file
March 2026
Grappling with S73 - variations of conditions applications or appeals (Provisionally 9 March 2026) - Half day
Register onlineOur byte-size courses are half-day sessions delivered on Microsoft Teams from 9:30 to 12:00.
Navigating the complexities of planning law and practice can be challenging, but getting it right is essential to uphold the integrity of the planning system as a whole. These short courses are designed specifically for local authority professionals, providing clear, practical insights into key planning principles, topic based issues and enforcement powers.
Through real world case studies and expert-led discussions, participants will gain the knowledge and confidence to handle difficult issues effectively. Whether you're new to development management or enforcement, these courses will equip you with the tools to make informed, legally sound decisions in your role.
Section 73 (s73) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 allow for planning applications to be made for the variation or removal of a condition on an existing planning permission, but how should decision makers approach such applications? This byte-size course considers recent developments on this topic and takes a practical approach to these applications. The course is ideal for those handling s73/s73A applications and appeals against conditions. A practical and engaging session aimed at professional development of development management and enforcement officers.
Cost: £100 plus VAT per delegate
Group discounts are offered for multiple delegates from a single local authority.
Presented by Ros Eastman and Izindi Visagie
For more information download this file
Conditions and Commencements (19 March 2026) - Full day
Register onlineJoin us for our 1 day virtual workshop dealing with Conditions and Commencements. Looking at:
- Types of conditions
- Condition monitoring
- Consequences for not complying with (S73)
- Enforcement options
Course runs from 9:30am to 4:30pm
Cost: £200 plus VAT per delegate
Presented by Izindi Visagie and Mike Hyde
April 2026
Planning injunctions (24 April 2026) - Full day
Register onlineJoin us for our 1 day virtual workshop dealing with Planning Injunctions.
This training course offers a practical and in-depth exploration of planning injunctions, tailored specifically for planning enforcement officers. It will focus on the steps an officer should take when a breach of planning control is serious, ongoing, or imminent, and where traditional enforcement methods may be ineffective or too slow. The session will guide officers through the early investigative stages; what to look for, what to record, and how to ensure that all actions are properly documented and legally sound to support potential High Court proceedings.
Participants will gain a clear understanding of what a planning injunction is, under Section 187B of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, and when it is appropriate to seek one. The training will explain the different types of injunctions (interim, final, mandatory, and prohibitory), with examples of typical scenarios, such as unauthorised traveller encampments, imminent works to listed buildings, or persistent breaches despite existing enforcement notices. Officers will learn how to distinguish situations where an injunction is likely to succeed and where it may be vulnerable to challenge.
A key focus will be on the officer’s witness statement, which is often a critical document in the injunction application. The course will break down how to structure a robust and persuasive statement: what evidence to include, how to present your investigation chronologically, the importance of direct observations, use of photographs, complaints, correspondence, and efforts to engage with the site owner or occupier. Officers will be guided on tone, format, and working effectively with legal teams.
The session will also demystify the injunction process, from initial legal referral to drafting, issuing proceedings, and attending court. It will cover officer roles in court (including giving evidence), post-injunction monitoring, and enforcement of breaches of the injunction itself. The course will use real-life case studies and recent court rulings to illustrate key points, and provide practical tools to help officers build a case that can stand up to judicial scrutiny.
By the end of the training, attendees will be confident in recognising when an injunction is appropriate, understanding what groundwork is needed, and producing clear, professional statements that support successful legal outcomes. This is essential knowledge for any officer dealing with high-risk breaches or time-sensitive planning harms.
Course runs from 9:30am to 4:30pm
Cost: £200 plus VAT per delegate
Presented by Izindi Visagie
May 2026
Certificate in Planning Enforcement (CPE) Module 3 & Module 1 (1 May 2026) - 4 Months
On 1 May we continue with Module 3 of our September 2025 intake and we start with Module 1 of our May 2026 intake
Certificate in Planning Enforcement (CPE)
The course is aimed at both new and more seasoned planning enforcement officers and aims to provide a thorough grounding in the legal and practical aspects of planning enforcement.
The course provides officers with a thorough grounding in the principles behind their planning enforcement powers and, through case studies and small group work, examples of the exercise of those powers in practice and the pitfalls and strategies which can be employed.
Training involves a mixture of taught (online) classes, case studies and small group work and we aim to make the training days as intensive and immersive as possible.
The Certificate in Planning Enforcement consists of 4 modules and can be completed consecutively or, exceptionally, out of order.
The certificate course runs over 16 months
Module 1 (Residential*)
Starting in May 2026
Training days on 25 & 26 June 2026
Looking at:
Introduction and principles of planning enforcement
Development, permission, immunity and expediency
Investigation powers, entry powers, safe working practices, sources of information
Negotiation and effective enforcement
Module 2 (Virtual)
Starting in September 2026
Training dates on 8 & 9 October 2026
Looking at:
Enforcement Notices and Breach of Condition notices – basis for issue, delegated powers, notice requirements, identifying the breach, identifying the steps, service and registration requirements.
Getting the notice and report right
Module 3 (Virtual)
Starting in January 2027
Training days on 4 & 5 February 2027
Looking at:
Appeals – preparation at notice stage, how to defend the appeal, different processes, roles of planning enforcement officer and/or advocate, evidence rules, practical application of the burden of proof.
Prosecutions – the offences, rules of evidence, how to write summons and witness statement, how to give evidence
Court challenges – s288 and 289 reviews and residual judicial review, nullity
Module 4 (Virtual)
Starting in May 2027
Training dates on 10 & 11 June 2027
Looking at:
Specialisms - trees, listed buildings and adverts
Specialist subjects, including gypsy & traveller cases, outbuildings, shisha, kiosks
The structure for all 4 modules each consists of
A self-study component
Completion of a quiz
Attendance of two on-line training days
Submission of an essay
Cost: £1500 plus VAT per module
The course will be led by Izindi Visagie, founder and partner at Ivy Legal and Mike Hyde of MH Planning Associates
We have 2 intakes running: September 2025 & May 2026
For more infomation download this file
Meet our trainers
Izindi Visagie
Izindi Visagie LLB, MBA, LARTPI is a solicitor who worked in the planning legal teams at Local Authorities at Bromley, Kensington and Chelsea and Harrow before setting up Ivy Legal. Izindi has a hands-on approach to client work, and is as experienced on an early morning raid as she is as advocate at public inquiry. Izindi’s experience within local authorities means that she fully understands the needs of her LPA clients and the subtle interaction of politics, policies, resourcing and legal requirements that bedevil planning enforcement.
Izindi is a member of the RTPI's Education and Lifelong Learning Committee and is the London and South East Representative for NAPE, the RTPI's network group for Planning Enforcement.
Michael Hyde
Mike established his independent planning consultancy, MH Planning Associates, in 2009. Prior to this, from 2002, he worked at Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority. As Enforcement Planning Officer he was initially tasked with the development of the newly formed authority's enforcement and monitoring function, which he went on to manage. He was subsequently seconded to the position of Planning Service Improvement Officer, with his responsibilities including the implementation of e-Planning and the provisions of the Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006. Mike now has over 35 years' planning experience in both development management and enforcement, he even tried planning policy for a short time! He began his planning journey at the Lake District National Park Authority and Eden District Council. Before discovering planning he had a eclectic range of jobs and other professional experience that he can now draw on includes structural and civil engineering, historic buildings and nature conservation, surveying and architecture. For over 10 years he delivered training through Trevor Roberts Associates, specialising on planning enforcement. He also ran the TRA Certificated Course on Planning Enforcement at Madingley Hall in Cambridge.
Ros Eastman
Ros discovered planning whilst at school through a friend's Dad who worked in Local Plans and thinks inspiring and leading planners is critical to the profession's future. Having avoided becoming a geography teacher, her career began 25 years ago in the private sector, based in Manchester and Leeds and specialising in commercial planning. A new job facilitated a move back to Devon and for 15 years she worked in policy and major projects before leading an LPA Development Management team.
In 2024 she established Eastman Planning Services and as well as undertaking consultancy work for private and public sector clients she enjoys delivering training with a focus on Development Management. Working for herself has enabled Ros to give back to the profession in other ways including being an APC Assessor and a member of the General Assembly and the Education and Lifelong learning committee of the RTPI.
