Any individual, group or organisation (including community councils) can make comments of objection or support for a planning application while it is open for consultation. If you should wish to comment on a planning application there are a few rules. All representations on an application must be in writing, normally by letter or email. Comments will not be confidential, and anonymous representation will not be considered.
The SBC decisions on planning applications must be made in accordance with the development plan unless material considerations would indicate otherwise. The grounds for any objection must also be considered as “material” by the committee.
Material Planning Grounds that are considered include:
- Contrary to the Development Plan
- Appearance (design, materials, scale etc)
- Traffic, parking and access problems
- Residential amenity (noise, overshadowing, overlooking, developing too much garden space)
- Effect on Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas
Non-Material Planning Grounds that cannot be considered include:
- Loss of a private view over someone else’s property
- Loss of the value of your property
- Breaches of feu* restrictions or other such burdens on the title of the property
- Possible fire hazard
- Competition amongst shopkeepers
- Matters covered by other legislation e.g. Building Standards (structural stability etc) where there’s no overlap in legislation
All active and archived planning applications may be found on the SBC planning portal. More information is also available via the planning pages on the SBC website and assistance and clarification may be sought from the SBC Planning Development Manager on 0300 100 1800
* a right to the use of land in return for a fixed annual payment
