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What details should you include in your comments?

Pre-application Advice

The pre application and enquiry service has TEMPORARILY been SUSPENDED due to the high volume of applications we are receiving. Pre applications for major and strategic developments will continue to be accepted. 

If you are seeking advice on whether planning permission would be required please see our planning guides.

Alternatively you can submit a certificate of lawfulness application. 

Whether you are writing to the council to object or support an application, you should clearly identify the planning application you are referring to and the particular points which you wish the council to consider. The council, when assessing a planning application, must have regard to the local plan policies. When dealing with planning applications, the following matters are considered to be material planning considerations and may be relevant.

  • written representations from members of the public
  • views of statutory and other consultees
  • overlooking/loss of privacy
  • loss of light or overshadowing
  • government policy and guidance
  • local policy and guidance
  • planning site history (i.e. previous decisions/appeal decision)
  • impact on amenity
  • impact on access, parking or road safety
  • design of the proposal
  • compatibility with other uses in the area
  • affect on a listed building or conservation area
  • affect on tree preservation order
  • precedent
  • noise and disturbance
  • impact upon biodiversity and protected species
  • highway safety
  • traffic

Certain matters are not normally material planning considerations and will not be taken into account by us when we decide on a planning application. These include:

  • devaluation of property
  • loss of a view
  • hours of construction
  • commercial/business competition
  • moral and religious issues
  • matters which relate to other regulatory regimes such as Building Standards or Health and Safety
  • matters which relate to safety or disruption during construction
  • civil matters
  • perceived health and safety risks

Please note that these lists are not exhaustive.