Comment on planning applications

Before sending us your comments, please look at the planning application. You can find all current planning applications on our planning register site.

You can search by application reference number or address. You can find reference numbers for recently received applications on our weekly lists page.

Please note the consultation dates of the application (as stated on the public advert, notification letter or online details). The closing date for comments is usually 21 days from the start date of the letter or notice.

What to include in your comment

We cannot accept anonymous comments, so please make sure you include your name and address. The publishing comments page explains why we need this information and where we publish it. 

We can only consider comments or objections that are 'material' and relevant to planning.

This includes:

• principle – if you feel that the very nature of the proposal is inappropriate for example that the use of land/property should not change
• overlooking – the proposal would lead to previously private areas being overlooked
• overshadowing – the height or closeness of the development would be such that unreasonable overshadowing would occur
• disturbance – there would be unacceptable intrusion in the form of, for example noise nuisance, general disturbance, odour
• overbearing – the scale of the works means that the property/premises has an oppressive impact on surrounding areas/houses
• out-of-character – if the design of the development, its scale and use, is such that it appears to be out-of character with its surroundings
• road safety – the development may lead to a significant impact on road safety

We cannot consider:

• issues covered by other legislation for example building control
• disputes over boundaries
• loss of value to a property, loss of view, and potential difficulties in property maintenance
• private interests of objectors, for example the effect of the proposal on property values and competition between rival companies

The Planning Portal also has information on commenting on proposed developments.

How to send us your comments

The easiest way to comment on a planning application is via our planning register site:

Comment on an application

If you prefer, you can write to us with your comments. Please quote the application number and clearly explain your objections or support. Make sure that you include your name and address, which will be published (see the publishing your comments page for guidance).