Comment on a planning application

We are committed to consulting with neighbours and other parties who could be directly affected by planning applications, and we want to hear your views so that we can take them into account when considering planning applications. 

Depending on the application type and size, we may consult using one or more of the following methods. A notification letter to neighbours /owners /occupiers with an adjoining boundary to the site, a  'Planning Notice' displayed at or near the proposed site, a press notice in the local newspaper. All applications are published online on the Weekly List on our website.

If you would like to comment on a proposed development, you must do so within the 21-day consultation period.  Comments can be made by anyone and can be objections, support, or observations about the application.

Planning applications can only be decided on matters relevant to planning, these are known as material considerations. The most common of these include:

• Effect on traffic, access, road safety and parking
• Scale, appearance and impact on surrounding area and adjoining neighbours
• Loss of light
• Overlooking and loss of privacy
• Effect on nature conservation and loss of trees
• Impact on Listed Buildings and/or Conservation Areas
• Something contrary to Council policy
• Noise and disturbance resulting from development
• Whether the use would be appropriate for the area

Often people wish to comment on matters that cannot be taken into account because they are not controlled by planning legislation. Common objections that cannot be considered include: 

• Loss of property value
• Loss of a view
• Private issues between neighbours such as party wall disputes, damage to property, private rights of way, covenants or the like
• Problems associated with construction work such as noise, dust and disturbance by construction vehicles (if you are experiencing these problems the Public Protection and Environmental Health team may be able to help)
• Competition between firms
• Structural and fire precaution matters (controlled by building control legislation)
• Alternative types of development you might prefer. 

You can submit your comments online, by email or in writing. When submitting comments, remember: 

• Do not include personal information, other than your name and address in your comments.
• Your signature is not required if you’re submitting your comments online. If you include a signature on any letters to us, we will hide this when we publish it on our website.
• If commenting by email, send this as an attachment, this will ensure your email address is not published.
• You are responsible for any statements that you make.  Please make sure that it is not offensive, harmful or untrue, if it is, your comment will be removed from the website. 
• Any comments which are made will be published on our website, this may include your name and address.
• Anonymous comments will not be considered

All comments, for and against, an application are considered if they raise material planning considerations, as these can be taken into account during the assessment process.  Along with your objections we must also consider local and national policy that may affect an application. 

Due to the volume of correspondence that we receive, we will not acknowledge receipt of your comments or respond to the comments or questions submitted or inform you of the decision. You can track the progress of the planning application online including the decision notice.

Only the applicant can appeal against the decision but, if an appeal is made, you will be notified and will then have the opportunity of making further representations to the Government Planning Inspector dealing with the appeal.

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