When a planning authority receives a planning application, it should notify all the people who may be directly affected by the proposed development. This is called 'public consultation'. Usually, all the people living or working in properties right next to the application site will be notified and invited to send in their comments on the application.
The amount of public consultation which is carried out depends on two things:
- the type of development which is being proposed.
- the type of planning application.
All planning applications (apart from those for advertisements) need to be publicised locally. The planning authority does this by sending a letter to neighbouring occupiers and / or by putting up a public notice in a prominent place on or near the application site.
A planning application for a larger development, or an application which is not in line with the planning policies in an 'adopted' development plan (which is known as a 'departure' from the plan), must be publicised in a local newspaper as well as notified to neighbours directly. Examples include a proposal to build ten or more houses, and non-housing development of more than 1,000 square metres of floor space. 'Heritage' applications, which involve proposed works to listed buildings or development in a conservation area, also need to be advertised in local newspapers.
Any person, group or organisation can comment on any planning application. All comments received by the planning authority are put on the planning application case file. Anybody can ask to see them, as well as other documents in the application file.
Consultation on a planning application has to take place for a minimum period of 21 days to allow members of the public enough time to respond. Usually, comments submitted after the consultation period has ended will carry less weight than those submitted within the period. However, some planning authorities will accept comments after the 21 day period - it is worth checking if this is the case with your local planning authority.
