Material Planning Considerations: What You Need to Know


Here are categories of factors considered as material planning considerations:


Material Planning Considerations: Air and Water Quality

Air and Water Quality considerations focus on assessing and mitigating the impacts of a proposed development on the quality of air and water resources. These considerations ensure that new developments do not negatively affect the health, safety, and well-being of residents, ecosystems, and the environment.

Material Planning Considerations: Design and Appearance

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.

Material Planning Considerations: Economic Benefits

Economic Benefits considerations focus on evaluating the positive impacts that a proposed development might have on the local, regional, or national economy. These considerations ensure that new developments contribute to economic growth, job creation, investment, and overall economic stability and prosperity.

Material Planning Considerations: Environmental Impact

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.

Material Planning Considerations: Flood Risk

Flood Risk considerations focus on the potential for flooding and the adequacy of measures to prevent and mitigate flood impacts. These considerations ensure that new developments are appropriately located and designed to minimize flood risk to property, people, and the environment.

Material Planning Considerations: Heritage and Conservation

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.

Material Planning Considerations: Infrastructure and Services

Infrastructure and Services considerations focus on the availability, capacity, and adequacy of essential services and facilities required to support a proposed development. This includes transportation networks, utilities, healthcare, education, and other public services necessary for the well-being and functionality of a community.

Material Planning Considerations: Land Use

Land Use refers to the management and modification of natural environments or wilderness into built environments such as settlements and semi-natural habitats. In the context of material planning considerations, land use focuses on the suitability and appropriateness of a particular piece of land for the proposed development, considering existing zoning laws, local plans, and the broader impacts on the community and environment.

Material Planning Considerations: Local and National Planning Policies

Local and National Planning Policies are critical frameworks that guide the development and use of land in a manner that promotes sustainable growth, protects the environment, and meets the needs of communities. These policies are established at different levels of government and provide specific guidelines and regulations that must be adhered to when considering planning applications.

Material Planning Considerations: Public Opinion

Public Opinion refers to the views and concerns of the community, residents, businesses, and other stakeholders regarding a proposed development. When evaluating planning applications, planning authorities consider public opinion to ensure that developments are responsive to the needs and values of the community and to enhance democratic participation in the planning process.

Material Planning Considerations: Residential Amenity

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.

Material Planning Considerations: Sustainability

Sustainability in planning involves ensuring that developments meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This consideration encompasses a range of economic, environmental, and social factors aimed at promoting long-term ecological balance, resource efficiency, and quality of life.

Material Planning Considerations: Traffic and Access

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.


Why Understanding Material Planning Considerations is Crucial to Successfully Describing Your Objection Against a Proposed Development


Understanding material planning considerations is fundamental to effectively objecting to a proposed development for several reasons:

  • 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, 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.
  • A thorough understanding allows you to frame your objections in a structured manner, providing clear, evidence-based arguments.

    For example, if a proposed development does not comply with local planning policies, highlighting specific policies and demonstrating non-compliance strengthens your case.
  • By understanding the key material planning considerations, you can identify and focus on the most critical issues that the planning authorities must address.
    This targeted approach ensures that your objections are relevant and impactful, addressing concerns such as traffic congestion, environmental degradation, or loss of residential amenity.
  • Knowledgeable objections enhance your credibility. When you reference relevant policies, environmental reports, or traffic studies, it shows that your objections are well-researched and not based on personal preference or unfounded claims.

    By understanding the key material planning considerations, you can identify and focus on the most critical issues that the planning authorities must address. This credibility can influence planning officers and decision-makers.
  • Understanding material planning considerations enables you to effectively represent broader community concerns.

    If a significant number of residents are worried about increased traffic or environmental impact, articulating these issues within the framework of material considerations ensures their voices are heard in a manner that planning authorities are obliged to consider.

  • In the event that a planning decision is challenged legally, objections based on material planning considerations are more likely to hold weight.

    Courts and planning inspectors look for substantive, policy-based arguments rather than subjective opinions.

  • Even if a development is approved, well-founded objections can influence the conditions imposed on the development.

    For example, concerns about traffic might lead to conditions requiring traffic mitigation measures or restrictions on construction hours to protect.