Comment on a Planning Application

We welcome your vews on planning applications.

Submit your comments online. This is the quickest way to comment and you will receive an immediate email acknowledgement. 

Alternatively you can write to us ensuring you include the application reference number as well as your name and address. Anonymous comments will not be considered.

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 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.  Please note your comments will not be acknowledged unless submitted  online.

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 summarised in the officer's report which is published 5 days prior to the committee meeting. At this time your comments will become available for public inspection. You will be advised 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.