Planning Applications - How to object/comment

As a member of the Development Control Committee I receive a number of requests regarding what can be done in the event that a planning application affects someone and they want to make a comment or object.

Here are some general guidelines. I will be happy to assist you should you require it. Please contact me for advice and support.

The following are considered valid material planning considerations:-

 

• design/visual impact
• privacy/loss of daylight
• noise;smell pollution
• access/traffic
• health
• ecology & landscape
• crime
• economic impact
• cumulative impact i.e. where one or more impacts create an overall impact which is not acceptable
• personal factors (rarely used)
• sustainable materials
• internal standards
• overlooking private space
• need - in some cases
• 
  

The following are  not considered material considerations

 

• the applicant - whoever they are e.g should not matter if it is the queen or dustman making the application
• land ownership - you do not need to own land to apply for planning permission
• private right e.g. access
• restrictive covenants
• property value - loss of property value is not a consideration
• competition
• loss of view
• moral issues - usually applies to licensing
• numbers of people objecting - the number is not material but what people are saying could be
• change from previous scheme

It is possible to submit your views by 

a. email directly to the planning officer in charge of the case, 

b  via the SKDC website link where you may "Search for a case"

 

http://www.southkesteven.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1640

 On this website you can view the plans for the application.

Tthere is a statement in blue

Comment on this application

This is where you may submit your comments/objections

You will receive a confirming email if a submission is made.

 

IMPORTANT: Not all Planning Applications automatically go to Development Control Committee.

Many smaller applications are decided by Planning Officers, unless any objections are received

If you raise an objection to a plan, at the Senior Planning Officers discretion, you may request that an application goes before the Development Control Committee. It is important to ensure your request is supported with relevent material planning concerns, as listed above.

 

If you do not have internet access you may write to the Planning Officer with any objections.

You may arrange a meeting to view the plans at The Guildhall, St Peters Hill, Grantham by calling the Planning Team on 01476 406080.

 

Speaking at the Meeting

If you wish to speak on the day you need to contact Development Control Committee Officer Malcolm Hall ideally at least 2 days before the meeting and preferably beforehand via email on m.hall@southkesteven.gov.uk

or call 01476 406080.

Malcolm will arrange for your speaker to be added to the agenda and the Chair notified. 

Each speaker has 3 minutes.

Once you have spoken you may be asked to leave the Council Chamber.

Supporting evidence e.g. photos of the site/powerpoint presentations may be used.

 

IMPORTANT: If the outcome of the meeting at which you speak is that the case is Deferred for further action you will NOT be able to speak again at any future meeting.

Contacting Committee Members

You may also chose to submit concerns directly to the committee members prior to the meeting as some campaigners do.

They should read/listen to your point of view but will not confirm their position unless they have chosen not to vote.

All committee members, including myself, must keep an open mind on the day looking at all evidence to avoid predetermining the case.

 

If you do want to contact committee members you can view the current members via the SKDC website.

Doing so has the advantage that your own words will be visible to them, otherwise they are summarised by the planning officer at/before the meeting in a report. 

 

I do hope this helps give you all your options. 

  

Further Help

If you need any further assistance with the planning application process please do not hesitate to contact me on 01476 574748 or email charmaine725@btinternet.com

or the Planning Team on 01476 406080.