Comment or Object to a Planning Application

When a planning application is received letters are sent to neighbouring properties advising of the proposed development and inviting residents to inspect the application. Please note that if you have not received a neighbour notification letter you can still view the application. You can comment on an application while it is still open for consultation.

Viewing an Application

• View the applicant's proposed plans using the Planning online search facility or
• Visit the Council Offices to view them:
  Applications are available for inspection at the Council Offices between the hours of 8.45 a.m. to 5.15 p.m. (Mon. to Thurs) and 8.45 a.m. to 4.45 p.m. (Fri.). A Planning Duty Officer is also available between 10am and 4pm on Mondays and Wednesdays and by appointment only between 10am and 4pm on Fridays.

Comment or Object
(Please note: you will need the Planning Application Number - you can find this using the online search above)

• For guidance about permitted grounds for objection to a planning application, see below
• Submit the online representation form or print a copy of this formFile Type: Adobe PDF document, File Size:34.53 Kb (5 seconds @ 56K) Opens in a new window
• Write to the Local Planning Authority as indicated in the letter as soon as possible

Applications are decided either under delegated powers (decided by Executive Head - Regulatory) or are referred to the Planning Applications Committee, which meets every 4 weeks. For your information, the current central government target are that Local Planning Authorities should decide 60% of major applications within 13 weeks, 65% of minor applications within 8 weeks and 80% of planning applications within 8 weeks.

If you are disabled please feel free to contact the Council Offices or the case officer if you know their name (or someone can do this on your behalf) and appropriate assistance will be offered.

Guidance

The following is a list of Material Considerations that can be taken into account in determining planning applications submitted under the Town and Country Planning Act.

Material Considerations

• The Development Plan and other relevant policy and guidance
• Highway safety, Flood risk
• Appearance and design
• Noise, dust, fumes, etc.
• Loss of light/sunlight
• Scale and dominance
• Archaeology
• Sustainability
• Nature conservation
• Privacy
• Impact on infrastructure, community & other services
• Impact on character, including trees
• Parking provision
• A fall-back position - such as:
  - a lawful use which could result in a development worse than proposal
  - an extant planning permission which has a similar or worse effect than the proposed development
  - Permitted Development which could have the same or worse effect than the proposed development)

The following matters are however not Material Considerations

• Business competition
• Loss of view
• Devaluation of property
• Rights of way
• Covenants
• Other private rights
• Short term disturbance during implementation of a planning permission
• Maintenance of property