2. What you can comment about
What you can comment about: Material Planning Considerations
Planning officers can only consider "Material Planning Considerations" when making decisions. These are matters that legislation and courts have determined should be taken into account.
Examples of Material Planning Considerations include:
- Layout and density of buildings
- Design, appearance and materials
- National and local planning policies
- Access for disabled persons
- Nature conservation (effects on trees, wildlife)
- Overlooking/loss of privacy/loss of light/overshadowing
- Parking and highway safety
- Traffic and noise
- Effects on listed buildings and conservation areas
Please remember: 100 people raising the same planning concern carries the same weight as 1 person raising that concern. Planning Officers will address all comments in the Planning Officer Report.
What cannot be considered
Planning focuses on public interest rather than personal concerns. The following are generally NOT material planning considerations:
- Potential decrease in property value
- Loss of a private view
- Breach of restrictive covenants
- Neighbour disputes over boundaries
- Moral considerations (e.g. religious objections)
- Political or ideological opinions
- Land ownership issues
- Issues covered by other legislation (e.g. building control)
- Personal circumstances (in most cases)
Further information
To learn more about material planning considerations, visit Planning Aid's Website for detailed explanations of what can and cannot be considered in planning decisions.