Can a Planning Officer enter your property?

[Nosha123]

Question for you experts out there...
Can a planning officer from a local authority simply walk into your back garden without your permission or knowledge to inspect the rear of your house?
We were not in - but a friend saw the man leaving our property (we have no side gate - so he walked round the side of the house and into our rear garden) and challenged him as to why he was there.
Just wondered if they can do that - or whether they have to then contact you if you are out and request to visit when the owner is in.
Thanks all

[woofgang]

the solution is simple....get a gate and lock it!

[LoftyLottie]

My back garden is a no go area for anybody, except very close friends and family. An extension of my house and I expect people to act the same as they would if they wanted to gain access to my house. For instance my dog is often in the back garden, which is gated off from the rest of our land.

[LoftyLottie]

I have to admit Woofy, I do that - even when I am at home.

[dickythecook]

Lottie, I didn't know that you had to tell the council that you were keeping three fellers at the bottom of your garden!! :-)))

[LoftyLottie]

Better than having fairies Dicky!! ;o)

[Nosha123]

Thanks all for your input.... and thanks to Dicky for his amusing post!
Have a good day all.. Fingers crossed we can satisfy Mr Grumpy and he wont serve any notices on us!!!