When we receive a planning application we will quickly publicise it so that people and organisations can look at it and comment.
There are a number of ways you can object to, support or comment on a planning application:
Please ensure that you quote the application number on all correspondence so we know which one you are commenting on.
Due to the high volume of comments received, we do not individually acknowledge receipt. However, you can check that your comments have been received as they are all made public on our website.
We publicise planning applications in a number of ways, depending on which is most appropriate, as set-out below. A planning application may be advertised by letters being sent to neighbours close to the site or by a notice displayed close to it - or both. In some instances we will also advertise the application in the Cleethorpes Chronicle. In all cases we will give a minimum of 21 days to reply.
All comments received within the time allowed will be fully considered, but there are some matters which we cannot take into account when making a decision on a planning application. These are detailed below.
It is recommended that comments on a planning application are made as quickly as possible as those received after the closing date may be too late to influence the decision.
Signatures, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses on all representations will not be shown on this web site but your name and address will be displayed. Anonymous representations will not be taken into account, i.e. if no name and address are supplied.
Even if we receive a letter of objection this does not mean that the application will automatically be refused. Many planning decisions are about balancing different considerations. The Government has also made it clear that permission should only be refused if there are clear-cut reasons for doing so.
Please note that, under the "Access to Information Act 1985" we have to make any letter or email available to anyone, including the applicant, to read if requested.
Reasons to object to a planning application include:
Material planning considerations (these are the factors which are taken into account when making a decision)
| Category |
Explanation |
| Development Plan |
The Local Plan, Regional Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework are all material to any planning decision. The Local Plan allocates particular types of development for certain sites within the area and shows designations such as Conservation Areas, Archaeological Areas, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Sites of Local Nature Conservation Importance and Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Planning applications should be determined by the Local Planning Authority (LPA) in accordance with the local, regional and national documents unless material planning considerations indicate otherwise.
|
| Planning history |
The current use, previous use and any earlier planning applications for the site are material. |
| General amenity |
The impact of a development on the character of a place is material. The siting, layout and external appearance of developments are relevant together with the design of buildings and landscaping of sites. |
| Residential amenity |
The impact of a development on a resident's amenity is material such as undue loss of privacy, loss of sunlight and daylight, overshadowing, loss of outlook, pollution, smell, noise, disturbance, traffic movements, and adequacy of car parking. |
| Flood risk and drainage |
Flood risk, foul and surface water drainage are material considerations. |
| Wildlife |
The impact on wildlife is material and some species, such as badgers and great crested newts, have additional statutory protection. |
| Traffic |
Adequacy of existing road networks and the capacity to deal with new development is material. |
| Public safety and crime prevention |
This is material to all decision making on applications. |
Matters which are not taken into account when making a decision
| Category |
Explanation |
| Precedent |
Every planning decision must be taken on the merits of the individual case. The fact that previous cases have been decided in a particular way does not generally create a precedent for others. The Local Planning Authority (LPA) is entitled to consider the cumulative effect of similar decisions that would cause harm but the possibility of precedent should not lead to a refusal where there are other good reasons for allowing a development.
|
| Matters regulated by other statutory codes |
Generally speaking, the LPA cannot use the planning system to regulate matters covered by other non planning legislation, for example under the Building Regulations or Environmental Health controls. |
| Private interests |
The LPA cannot take into account civil disputes when making planning decisions and must assume that disagreements between neighbours can be resolved. |
| Private rights of way |
Private rights of way are in the control of the person holding the rights. A planning permission cannot grant a private rights of way that otherwise does not exist nor can a planning permission override private rights of way that do exist. |
| Restrictive covenants |
Sometimes planning permission is granted for a proposal on land which is the subject of a restrictive covenant. If the holder of the covenant does not wish to relax it, planning permission does not override such a legal restriction and the development may not proceed for these reasons. |
| Right to a view |
Generally speaking no one has the right to a view from their property. However, a person's outlook from their property is considered, in terms of other amenity issues such as loss of light and loss of privacy as described above. |
| Property value |
The impact of a development on property prices in the area is not a material planning consideration. |
| Personal circumstances |
In general personal circumstances are not material planning considerations. However, the courts have decided that personal circumstances may 'tip the balance' when other material considerations are not decisive. |
| Discrimination |
The LPA cannot discriminate against any applicant or objector on the grounds of race, religion, sexual orientation, age or any other basis. |
If you would like any further information on how to comment on a planning application, please contact us using the details on this page.