YOU CAN DO IT
Remember to ALWAYS provide:
- Your full name, as anonymous comments will not be considered.
- The address of the plot of land that the planning application is about.
- The planning application reference number.
Please Note:
1. All comments you make will be available online through the council website, so only include information you are comfortable sharing publicly. Rest assured, the council will not publish your name.
2. You must comment on a planning application within 21 days of it being registered, the deadline for each application is specified online. Unless there is a reason for an extension of the deadline, such as the EHDC portal being down.
How to Ensure Your Comments are Taken Seriously
Planning authorities are legally bound to consider only material planning considerations when making decisions on planning applications. These considerations include factors such as local and national planning policies, environmental impact, traffic and access, air and water quality, design and appearance, economic benefits, flood risk, heritage and conservation, infrastructure and service, land use, public opinion, sustainability and residential amenity.
An objection grounded in these considerations is more likely to be taken seriously and have an impact on the decision-making process.
When considering planning applications, councils should be focus on a range of material planning considerations.
These factors can vary slightly depending on local regulations and policies, but generally include the following:
Heritage and Conservation considerations focus on the protection and enhancement of historic and culturally significant buildings, structures, landscapes, and areas. These considerations ensure that new developments respect and preserve the historical and architectural integrity of heritage assets while contributing to the area’s overall character and identity.
Residential Amenity refers to the overall quality of life and comfort experienced by residents in their homes and neighbourhoods. When evaluating planning applications, authorities consider how a proposed development will impact the living conditions of nearby residents and the general ambiance of the area.
Design and Appearance in the context of material planning considerations refer to the aesthetic, functional, and contextual attributes of a proposed development. These considerations ensure that new developments are visually appealing, functionally appropriate, and harmoniously integrated into the existing built and natural environment.
Environmental Impact refers to the effect that a proposed development may have on the natural environment. This consideration is crucial for ensuring that new developments do not adversely affect ecosystems, biodiversity, natural resources, and the overall quality of the environment.
Traffic and Access are critical factors in evaluating planning applications. These considerations focus on the impact a proposed development will have on the local transportation network, road safety, accessibility for all users, and the adequacy of infrastructure to support the development.
When considering planning applications, councils typically exclude non-material planning considerations. These factors are not relevant to the decision-making process because they do not directly relate to land use and planning policies.
Common non-material considerations include:
- Effect on Property Values: The impact of a development on the value of nearby properties is not considered a valid planning issue.
- Personal Circumstances: Individual personal circumstances of the applicant or neighbours, such as financial situations or specific health needs, are generally not taken into account.
- Private Disputes: Disputes between neighbours, such as boundary issues or personal disagreements, are not planning matters.
- Loss of a Private View: The impact on an individual’s private view from their property is not a material planning consideration.
- Commercial Competition: Concerns about new businesses competing with existing ones are not typically considered in planning decisions.
- Moral Objections: Objections based on personal beliefs or moral viewpoints, such as opposition to the type of business being proposed (e.g., betting shops, fast food outlets), are usually not taken into account.
- Construction Disturbances: Temporary inconveniences during the construction phase, such as noise, dust, and traffic disruptions, are not considered material planning issues.
- Covenants and Deeds: Private legal agreements, such as restrictive covenants in property deeds, are not planning matters.
- Speculative Developments: Concerns about future developments or changes that are not part of the current planning application are not relevant. While speculative future developments are not relevant on their own, the cumulative impact of already approved or pending applications should be considered to understand the broader environmental and community effects. Thus, assessing cumulative impact ensures all related developments are factored into the decision-making process.
- Economic Impact on Local Businesses: General concerns about the economic impact on local businesses, aside from land use considerations, are usually excluded.
Understand what you are up against
References