Commenting on planning applications
Information about how to comment on a planning application, valid grounds for objecting to an application, who can view comments and objections, and how applications are publicised.
Anyone can make representations on planning grounds for or against a proposal, but this must be done within the 21 day consultation period.
All planning applications can viewed online.
How to submit your comments
Online - The easiest way to submit your comments is using Public Access - each live application has a "Make a comment" button available during the consultation period which allows you to submit comments and reasons for your support or objection. Your comments will be forwarded directly to the case officer dealing with the application. You will need to register the first time you submit a comment, but this is a simple process.
Email - You can forward comments via email (preferably as an attachment) to dcconsultation@lancaster.gov.uk. You should receive an email acknowledgement within a few minutes of submitting your comments. If you do not receive an acknowledgement, we have not received your comments. Unfortunately some messages can be incorrectly identified as spam and do not reach our mailbox. If you do not receive an acknowledgement, consider submitting your comments via Public Access.
Letter - You can submit your comments in a letter, but this will take longer to get to the case officer as all paper documentation is now scanned on receipt and delivered to the case officer electronically. All correspondance relating to planning applications should be addressed to:
Development Control Team
PO Box 4
Town Hall
Lancaster LA1 1QR
Please do not send your comments in by more than one means (for example, an email followed up by a letter). Only one instance of your comments will be put before the case officer and/or reported to the Planning Committee.
Emails and comments submitted online carry as much weight as a letter.
What are valid planning grounds?
The council can only determine applications on valid planning considerations. Comments made outside the scope of valid planning grounds cannot be considered.
Valid planning grounds include:
• Impact on the character or appearance of an area, including design, materials and appearence
• Compliance with National, Regional and Local planning policy
• Traffic and Highway safety issues
• Environmental issues, including noise and air quality
• Privacy Issues - Overshadowing, overlooking or loss of privacy
• Impact on employment and the local economy
Examples of common representations that are NOT valid planning grounds:
• Effect on private property values
• Loss of a view across somebody elses land
• Personal issues with the applicant
• Moral arguments, eg. betting shops or casinos encouraging gambling
• Disturbance during construction
• Private rights of way
• Land ownership or boundary disputes
• Matters covered under other legislation, eg. opening hours covered by premesis licences, littering
Planning grounds can still cover a wide range of issues and, by law certain matters must be taken into account:
• Government Advice as set out in circulars and planning policy guidance notes.
• Lancashire County Council Structure Plan
• Local planning policies - Lancaster District Local Plan and supplementary planning guidance (SPG) notes.
• Other planning issues (such as comments from consultees or neighbours based on valid planning grounds)
Who can see my comments or objections?
Freedom of Information Act 2000 and Data Protection
All comments submitted on planning applications will be available for public viewing and will be made available on the council website. You may therefore wish to take the following steps to protect your personal information:
- Do not include signatures on letters
- Do not include any telephone numbers on letters, or complete the field on the comments form
- When submitting comments via email, send your comments as an attachment so that we do not have to publish your email address.
Anonymous comments will carry significantly less weight, and may be disregarded when the application is being considered.
The council is unable to acknowledge comments made (unless submitted online) or enter into any correspondence about an application with interested parties.
Publicity for Planning Applications
Most planning applications are subject to publicity. Near neighbours of the site who may be affected by the development will be notified of the proposal in a letter. In most cases a site notice also will be displayed in the vicinity of the site. The council has a statutory duty to to advertise some types of applications in the local press (Lancaster Guardian).
All applications are available for viewing using our Public Access for Planning system. Follow the link to View Planning Applications Online from the Related Pages section on the right.
We also undertake consultations with recognised bodies and outside agencies as appropriate to the proposal.
Question: I haven't received a neighbour notification letter, but my neighbour has. Shall I contact the council to request one?
Answer: A notification letter is only sent to neighbours closest to the application site. The purpose of the letter is to make the receipient aware of the application. If you have found out about the application from the site notice, press advertisement, website or word of mouth, there is no need to request a letter from us.