Applications are decided based on the policies in the Local Plan, government guidance and other material considerations.

We also consider the effect the proposal might have on others, and on other interests.

These effects can include:

• the amenity of residents
• road safety
• buildings or places of historic or architectural importance
• environmental matters and concerns

Comments about applications will be considered in the final decision process according to seriousness and relative importance.

We only consider 'material planning considerations' when looking at comments. 

All comments submitted are made available online. Your name and address are published with your comment. Phone numbers and email addresses will be removed (redacted).

We cannot enter into correspondence or discussions with objectors on the points they raise.

We can only consider 'material planning considerations' when looking at your comments. The most common of these are:

• loss of light or overshadowing
• overlooking / loss of privacy
• visual amenity (but not loss of private view)
• adequacy of parking/loading/turning
• traffic generation, Highway safety and parking
• noise and disturbance resulting from use
• loss of trees
• effect on listed building and conservation area
• layout and density of building
• design, for example height/bulk/position of buildings, appearance, materials, effect
• on surrounding area
• landscaping
• road access
• local, strategic, regional and national planning policies
• previous planning decisions (including appeal decisions)
• nature conservation.

• the perceived loss of property value
• private disputes between neighbours
• the loss of a view
• the impact of construction work or competition between firms
• matters covered by other legislation, including restrictive covenants on land
• ownerships disputes over rights of way
• the applicant’s motives, character or personal circumstances.

Consultation letters are sent as part of the normal planning application process. The public have 21 days to comment.

A planning officer will visit the planning application site and will also review all the comments made by interested parties. The officer can ask the applicant to make amendments at this stage.

When all the necessary information has been received and the consultation period is over, the case officer will write a report and make a recommendation.

This will be considered by an authorised planning manager or senior planner.