Comment on a Planning Application

Anyone can object to, support or comment on a planning application. To do this either:

Go to our Planning On-Line site, enter the application number or search for the application. If the normal consultation period is still open, there will be a button marked 'Make a comment'. Click on this and fill in your details.

OR

Write to the Planning Department stating clearly which application you are referring to, and stating why you think permission should or should not be given.

OR

Email your comments to planning@stroud.gov.uk

You must send your comments as soon as possible, as a time limit is set for the receipt of comments to enable applications to be decided efficiently. Please quote the application reference number. If you do not know the reference number please give as much information as you can such as the site address or the applicants name. It is also helpful if you can start your communication with the phrase OBJECTION, SUPPORT or COMMENT.

Letters and emails will be accepted up until the decision is made regardless of the closing of the normal consultation period.

Please note a scanned copy of your letter or filled-in comments form will be available for others, including the applicant, to read as it is placed on the website with the other documents relating to the planning application. Please note that for transparency, your name and address are likely to appear on the website. We will however try to remove signatures, phone numbers and email addresses, however we can not guarantee to do this on every occasion. We cannot accept anonymous comments on planning applications. You should avoid personal remarks and not use offensive language. Where possible please make reference to Local Plan Policies as these carry greatest weight in determining an application.  Again, the Planning On-Line site has a link to the relevant planning policies for the application in question.

Relevant planning considerations include:

• Planning Policies as set out in the Local Plan, the Structure Plan, Planning Policy Guidance (PPG/Ss) and Governments guidance.
• Highways - access/roads unsuitable for the development. (Where access is a relevant consideration.)
• Loss of light - dependent on the size/siting of the development to a neighbouring property's principal windows.
• Design/size/scale/materials of proposal in relation to existing property; neighbouring property(ies) general location.
• Effect on/loss of protected trees or listed buildings
• Setting of listed buildings or conservation areas.
• Noise, fumes, smell, loss of privacy. Increased risk of flooding as a result of the proposal.
• Loss of a valuable facility, particularly if dealt with in a Local Plan Policy.
• Location of proposed development (e.g. is a proposed new dwelling within a recognised settlement boundary in the Local Plan).

The following includes a list of things, which are not normally valid planning considerations:

• Loss of view/aspect.
• Civil restrictions such as restrictive covenants.
• Personal matters relating to the specific applicant.
• Land ownership issues.
• Retrospective nature of any proposal.
• Principle of development just because it is in a conservation area.
• Changes to land/property values.

Listed Building Consent applications

• Only consideration is effect on the Listed Building

Advertisement Consent applications

• Only considerations are public amenity and road safety.

The Planning Portal gives advice on making representations.
Stroud District Council, Ebley Mill, Westward Road, Stroud GL5 4UB tel: (01453) 766321 Contact Us.