Objections from Neighbouring Properties
With every type of planning application people are given the opportunity to object if they do not approve of a proposed development. Once it the application is validated and registered on the planning portal there is a 21 day consultation period where neighbours or indeed anyone concerned can comment positively or object.
List of common planning objections
You can object for any reason however here is a list of some of the most common reasons for planning objections;
- Loss of light or overshadowing
- Overlooking/loss of privacy
- Visual amenity (but not loss of private view)
- Adequacy of parking/loading/turning
- Highway safety
- Traffic generation
- Noise and disturbance resulting from use
- Hazardous materials
- Smells
- Loss of trees
- Effect on listed building and conservation area
- Layout and density of building
- Design, appearance and materials
- Landscaping
- Road access
- Local, strategic, regional and national planning policies
- Government circulars, orders and statutory instruments
- Disabled persons’ access
- Compensation and awards of costs against the Council at public enquiries
- Proposals in the Development Plan
- Previous planning decisions (including appeal decisions)
- Nature conservation
- Archaeology
- Solar panels
All of these are technical reasons for objection to a planning application and could potentially result in an application being rejected.
It is important to note that planning objections are a perfectly normal part of every planning application and they do not necessarily spell doom for your project. However, it is very important that you address the concerns and respond accordingly.
Some objections may have no bearing on your application at all while others could have a significant impact, either resulting in a compromised design or worst case a planning rejection. For this reason, it is important that your response is not simply an emotional reply but rather a well put forward counter argument. Your response should be supported wherever possible with technical planning law facts to give yourself the best chance of success.
If you are unfamiliar with all of the complex planning laws you can instruct an expert such as Landic to prepare and submit your planning objection on your behalf to give yourself the best chance of success.
Objecting to an Application
You or an expert planning consultant such as Landic can object to a planning application if you do not approve for any reason and would like to see the application refused.
However, it is important to bear in mind that not all planning objects are of equal weight. For instance, simply not liking your neighbour would not be sufficient reason for refusal however, loss of light or privacy might be. It is important to voice all your concerns however, technical objections supported by planning laws are essential to make the strongest possible argument.
If you are unfamiliar with all of the complex planning laws you can instruct an expert such as Landic to prepare and submit your planning objection on your behalf to give yourself the best chance of success.
Consultee Objections
During the planning application process, the Planning Case Officer will consult other specialist officers within the council and external bodies these are consultees. Any one of these consultees can provide an objection to the proposed scheme. The consultees can consist of (not a comprehensive list):
- Flood Risk Officer
- Landscape/Tree Officer
- Design Officer
- Archaeological Officer
- Transport/Highways Officer
- Conservation/Heritage Officer
- Natural England
- English Heritage
- Ecology Officer
If any one of these consultees object to the application it can mean a refusal for the scheme. However, generally the comments are resolvable if a planning consultant is engaged early on during the process.
Landic Planning can provide advise and deal with technical issues during the planing application.