Bringing it all together
Respond to a planning application - Submitting your response
Once you have identified your concerns and gathered your evidence. You can now bring them together in a clear response. Anyone can comment on a planning application. You can object, support the proposal or request changes. Your comments will be most useful when they relate directly to the application.
Use this simple structure
Identify the application
Give the application reference, site address and a brief description of the proposal.
State your position
Explain whether you object, support the proposal or wish to raise concerns about particular aspects.
Explain each concern
For each issue, set out:
- What wildlife or habitat could be affected.
- How the proposal could affect it.
- Your supporting evidence.
- Any relevant planning policy.
- What you want the authority to do.
Use short headings if you have several concerns.
An example
“I object to the proposed removal of the hedgerow along the site’s eastern boundary, shown on drawing [reference].
“The hedgerow connects the woodland to the north with the pond to the south. My dated photographs show that this connection is not represented accurately on the submitted habitat plan.
“Please seek clarification of the ecological assessment and require the applicant to explore retaining the hedgerow and its connection to the adjoining habitats.”
Adapt the structure to your own circumstances. Only include statements you can support.
Rutland Water - Terry Whittaker/2020VISION
Keep your response focused
Explain your strongest points clearly. A short, specific response can be more useful than a long objection containing general statements.
Include document references and label any photographs or maps. Distinguish between your observations and conclusions that need specialist assessment.
Planning decisions are not a public vote: the relevance and substance of the issues raised matter.
Tom Marshall
Check before submitting
- Have you included the correct application reference?
- Have you checked the latest plans?
- Is each concern explained and supported?
- Have you said what action you want?
- Have you followed the authority’s submission instructions?
- Have you checked how your comments and personal information will be published?
Send your comments directly to the authority
Use the authority’s online commenting system or another submission method it accepts.
Keep a copy of your response and any acknowledgement. If you also write to a councillor or parish council, submit your comments separately to the planning authority so they form part of the application process.
Tom Marshall
Follow what happens next
Check the application page for revised plans, additional reports and the decision.
If new information changes your concerns, ask the case officer how to submit further comments. If the application goes to a planning committee, check the authority’s rules and deadlines for public speaking.
