Applications

 
 

Comment

Westminster City Council welcomes your views.

How to comment
If you want to make comments which will be taken into account in determining an application they must be submitted in writing.  This can be by letter or online via the search planning applications pages.

If you are unclear about what an application involves or need more information, the planning case officer will be happy to discuss the application with you.  When we write to inform you of a proposal, you will normally have 21 days to comment.


What you can comment on
You can support or object to a proposal, but you should bear in mind that planning applications can only be decided on the basis of planning issues, such as:
  • the effect on neighbours' daylight, sunlight or privacy;
  • the impact of traffic, road access, parking and servicing;
  • the appearance, bulk or height of the scheme;
  • the impact on amenity such as noise generated by the proposal;
  • the potential loss of a valued local service or use such as a shop or a residential flat.

The City Council cannot however consider non-planning issues such as:

  • the effect on property values;
  • competition between rival businesses;
  • party wall disputes and fire escape matters;
  • moral and religious issues.

Whilst the City Council cannot refuse a scheme because construction works may cause noise and disturbance, it can restrict the hours of work, particularly in residential areas.


What happens to your comments?
All comments received are acknowledged.  The issues raised will be taken into account by the planning officer considering the application. This may lead to the officer contacting the applicant and suggesting amendments to the scheme.

If major changes are made, we will advise people who have commented and will normally give a further 14-21 days for additional comments to be made.

When applications are decided by a planning committee all comments received are made available to committee and summarised in the officer's report which is available online and at One Stop Services 5 days prior to the committee meeting.  At this time your comments will become available for public inspection.  You will also receive a letter advising you of the date, time and location of the committee.

Everybody who has written to us about the proposal will be informed of the outcome within 10 days of the decision being made.

When commenting on an application, you may wish to contact your local amenity society to find out what they have to say on the proposal. 

You may also wish to contact your local Ward Councillor to give your views on a planning application.

Please note: It is essential that you include the application reference number as well as your name and address.  Anonymous comments will not be considered.