Comment on planning applications

When assessing an application we have a legal duty to consider all material planning matters and relevant planning policies (including national, local plan policies and approved supplementary planning documents)

All comments we receive about a planning application will be noted, but only planning issues can be taken into account. These include:

• overshadowing
• loss of light or privacy
• visual appearance
• parking provision
• traffic where the proposal would generate and effect highway safety
• noise, smells and disturbance resulting from use
• loss of trees or other landscape features
• design, appearance and materials proposed to be used
• effect on listed buildings and on the character of a conservation area
• layout and density of proposed buildings
• flooding
• wildlife

What we do not take into account

• matters controlled by building regulations or other non-planning laws such as structural stability, fire precautions and environmental health
• private rights and issues between neighbours, for example disputes over land ownership or boundaries, damage to property, private rights of way, covenants and private agreements
• loss of value of a property
• possible problems associated with the building work, for example, hours of work, noise, dust and construction vehicles
• loss of a view
• private interests of objectors and competition between rival companies
• any personal issues or circumstances relating to an applicant or business

Make a comment

All comments must be made in writing, verbal comments cannot be accepted. You can comment on our planning website or by emailing us.

Alternatively, you can write to us at:

Your comments must:

• be dated
• provide your name and address.
• state the application number and site address

Comments that contain personal, racist, defamatory or derogatory material will not be taken into consideration or published. This also applies to photos that include images of people or any personal details. We do not accept video recordings. Anonymous comments will not usually be taken into account

What happens when you comment

If you submit a comment through the website or by email you will receive an automatically generated acknowledgement. If your comment is submitted by post it will not be acknowledged.

Due to the large number of responses received it is not possible to respond personally to matters/questions raised. Your comments will be summarised in the officer’s report and any significant and relevant matters will be addressed in the appraisal.

How we take your comments into consideration

Most planning applications are decided by planning officers and these are known as delegated decisions. Some decisions are made by our planning committee which is made up of elected council members.

In both cases a report is prepared by the case officer which explains the application, gives a summary of the comments we have received and addresses any material planning matters and policies that apply. As most planning decisions are about balancing different views, the case officer will take account of the arguments for and against a proposal, before reaching a recommendation.

If you have commented on an application and the decision is to be made by the planning committee we will notify you of the date, time and location of the meeting and provide details about your opportunity to speak at the meeting. No more than five working days notice of the meeting and arrangements can be given.

Have your say

Please read our ‘Have Your Say’ guidance before commenting.