How to Comment on 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.

If you have not received a neighbour notification letter you can still view the applicant's proposed plans on the Council's website (Planning section), via the online search facility, or you can visit the Council Offices to view them. Then write to the Local Planning Authority as indicated in the letter as soon as possible or submit the online representation form or print a copy of this form and guidance notesFile Type: Adobe PDF document, File Size:50.28 Kb (7 seconds @ 56K) Opens in a new window.

Applications can be reviewed online or 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 12 noon, and again between 2pm and 4pm.

Applications are decided either under delegated powers (decided by the Head of Planning, Development and Homes) or are referred to the Planning Applications Committee, which meets every 4 weeks. For your information the current central government target is that Local Planning Authorities should decide 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.