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Comment on a planning application

Planning and building control

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If you have a comment on a planning application, you can let us know about it.

You need to tell us:

  • in writing
  • within the 'consultation period'

The consultation period usually lasts for 21 days (or 14 days for amended plans). This starts from the date the application is registered (it will also be published on this day). 

If you have questions about an application, or need further information, contact the Planning Officer appointed to the case. You can find their details online with the planning application

Search online for planning applications.

Things to remember:

  • give the property address and the planning application number (if known)
  • your comments will be available for everyone to read, so we can't consider comments made anonymously or are marked 'confidential'

How to comment

All comments on planning applications should be made online via the portal.

What you can comment on Click to get info

You’re invited to comment on any of these matters:

  • loss of light or overshadowing
  • overlooking or loss of privacy
  • visual appearance (for example, design, appearance and materials)
  • layout and density of buildings
  • traffic generation, highway safety or adequate parking
  • noise, smells and disturbance resulting from use
  • loss of trees
  • effect on listed buildings or conservation areas
  • relevant planning policies (eg, government policy statements, the London Plan, the local development plan and supplementary planning guidance)

What you can't comment on Click to get info

You can’t comment on every aspect of a planning permission submission. We can't consider these points: 

  • matters controlled under building regulations or other non-planning legislation (eg structural stability, fire precaution, control of pollution, statutory nuisances etc.)
  • private issues between neighbours (such as, land or boundary disputes, damage to property, private rights of way, covenants etc.)
  • loss of value of property (but the reasons why it might affect the value can be considered in their own right)
  • problems associated with the construction period (such as hours of work, noise, dust, construction vehicles etc. Environmental protection legislation might be relevant)
  • loss of a view

Comments can't be made on proposals that have a Lawful Development Certificate. This is a certificate which can be issued for alterations, extensions or changes that don't need planning permission (under 'permitted development'). Read more information about Lawful Development Certificates on the Planning Portal.

What happens after you comment Click to get info

The majority of applications are decided by senior planning officers.

If your application is to be considered by the planning committee you’ll receive a letter. It will tell you the date of your meeting and instruction about addressing the committee.

For further information, see our page on how we make a planning application decision