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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.

How to comment

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

View an application 

To view an application, you do not need to log in.

To search applications, select ‘search planning applications’ from the home screen. Or select search from the right side menu.

The best way to search for an application is with the 6 digit reference.

Select search and the results of your search will appear at the bottom of the page.

To view the planning application in more detail, select view.

Once you have selected view the planning application you wish to view will appear in a new tab on you browser or mobile device.

If you cannot see any documents, or the ones you expected to see are not showing please contact the planning officer by email.

Their email address will be their first name followed by a . and then their last name .gov.uk for example firstname.lastname@walthamforest.gov.uk

Comment on an application 

To comment on a planning application you must be logged in.

To log in select ‘log in’ on the right side menu.

Or register for an account.

Once you are logged in, when searching for planning applications you will have the option to make a comment.

Once you have submitted your comment you will not be notified but the planning team will receive it.

If you’re having trouble using the portal, we recommend trying a different browser.

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