Material Planning Considerations
Material Planning Considerations
We can only take into account certain matters when deciding (determining) a planning application. We welcome comments on these topics, which include:
- The principle of development - do you agree that the proposal is the right use or function for the site?
- Layout – is the proposal laid out to create a natural and legible street pattern, are the buildings and spaces in the right places on the site?
- Scale and massing – is the proposal the right size for the site, and does it relate appropriately to the buildings and spaces around it? Will it cause unreasonable overshadowing or loss of daylight or sunlight?
- Design – whether the design is appropriate for the context it is in, and will enhance the local area
- Listed buildings and conservation areas – is the proposal appropriate with regard to heritage, including listed buildings, scheduled ancient monuments or other heritage assets nearby?
- Green space and biodiversity – does the proposal enhance biodiversity, are trees and hedges affected and is any proposed green space well-designed to be functional and safe?
- Has the applicant considered local wildlife or protected species such as bats, badgers, owls, great crested newts and birds.
- Streets and roads – will they be safe and useable for vulnerable users, children, pedestrians and cyclists, as well as drivers?
- Are public rights of way going to be enhanced or affected?
- Cycle and car parking, refuse and storage facilities.
- Noise, fumes or smell that may impact surrounding homes or businesses.
- Surface water, foul water drainage and flooding issues.
- Design of signage, external lighting or advertisements.
The following are not material planning considerations as defined by national regulations and case law, so we can’t take them into account when deciding on planning applications. Please do not comment on:
- The loss of a private view from your property.
- Boundary disputes between neighbours.
- Loss of trade from competing businesses.
- Loss of value to your property.
- Moral objections– for example, to betting shops or amusement arcades.
- Personal circumstances – for example, a personal dislike of the developer.
- Photographs of your property, neighbour's property, people or number plates.
- Matters controlled by other legislation – for example, structural issues covered by Building Regulations.
- Offensive statements that have a negative impact on a person’s reputation personally or within their trade, profession or business.
- Comments that discriminate on the grounds of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.