Comments on a planning application
How to tell us what you think about a planning application
Your views are important to us when we look at planning applications. We take a lot of trouble to consult people directly affected by a plan. It does not matter whether you are objecting to or supporting a particular application.
Any comments must be related to planning issues, so this page is a short guide to what to think about when you contact us with your views.
When we consider an application we look at the plan itself and what are called “other material considerations" directly related to the use and development of land.
Some examples of "material considerations" are:
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The Council's policies, as set out in the Local Plan, Local Development Framework (LDF), and Supplementary Planning Guidance (insert link here)
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The County Structure Plan ((insert link here)
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Government policy, as expressed in Planning Policy Guidance notes and circulars (insert link here).
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The planning history of the site - the existing uses, and what has been permitted or refused previously.
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The design and appearance of the proposed development, and how it would fit in with the character of the area.
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The number of dwellings, and how they are arranged on the site.
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Parking, access and highway safety.
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Overlooking and loss of privacy or loss of daylight/sunlight as a result of the development.
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The protection of the countryside, its character and appearance.
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The protection of listed buildings, conservation areas and archaeological remains.
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Control of pollution and noise.
This is not a full list and every application is different, but these are serious issues on which we will be delighted to hear from you.
On the other hand, the following are generally NOT material considerations:
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Loss of financial value of a property as a result of a development.
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Increased competition to individual businesses.
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The personal circumstances of the applicant. This can be a material consideration, but is generally given little weight.
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Matters covered by other legislation, such as the Building Regulations.
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Who is intended to occupy the proposed development?
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The race, creed or colour of the applicant.
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Private property rights (e.g. boundary or access disputes, restrictive covenants).
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Whether an application is for retrospective permission.
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The applicant's morals or motives or past record.
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Possible future development - we have to consider the application before us, not what might be applied for in the future.
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Loss of view over other people's land.
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How long a person has lived in the village or street.
You should also bear in mind that:
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Planning application files are open to public inspection, so your comments may be seen by other people, including the applicant.
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Defamatory comments could leave you open to legal action.
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The Council will disregard any racist comments.
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Anonymous letters will be disregarded.
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In order for your comments to be considered we need to receive them before the deadline set out in the notification letter, site notice or press advertisement. We will still consider comments received after the deadline, provided that the decision has not already been taken.
If you want to comment on a planning application, you could do this in writing or via e-mail:
Development Control
South Northamptonshire Council
Springfields
Towcester NN12 6AE
Telephone: 01327 322132 (Customer Services Officer)
Email: development.control@southnorthants.gov.uk
Remember if you can to include the planning application reference number and the address of the proposed site.
You also could comment on a planning application online - .
All comments on planning grounds received before the decision is taken will be fully considered.
