Guide to making an objection/commenting on a planning application

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Object/comment on a planning application

Overview

When a valid planning application is received and registered, the District Council is required to carry out certain formal consultations, for example with the Parish Council or the Local Highways Authority. The District Council also notifies local residents who (for householder developments) live within a 25 metre radius of the site or for any other application live within a 50 metre radius of the site. Notifications are direct to the resident in writing, or by displaying a site notice or both. Some applications, such as major developments, are also advertised in the local newspaper.

Anyone is entitled to comment on a planning application whether they are formally consulted or not. Plans may be inspected at the District Council's offices in Stockwell Street, Leek, or online via our "Public Access" planning website.

Making the objection/comment

Any objections/comments must be made within 28 days of you receiving notification of the application. It is worth noting that National legislation only requires 14 days to be given for representations to be made but Staffordshire Moorlands District Council allow 28 days. If you are not personally notified, you have 28 days from the date the site notice is displayed to object/comment.

You can make your objection/comment in one of the following 3 ways:-

1. In writing to:- Head of Development & Building Control, Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, Moorlands House, Stockwell Street, Leek, Staffordshire. ST13 6HQ.

Please remember to quote the application number and case officer in your correspondence.
Your letter will be acknowledged in writing within 10 working days.

2. By e-mail to:- planning@staffsmoorlands.gov.uk

You will receive an automatic e-mail acknowledgement followed by an acknowledgement letter within 10 working days.

3. Online through the Planning Public Access site:-

Select Object/Comment on a current planning application from the front page of the Public Access site and follow the instructions below.

Make your objection/comment online

1. Input the application reference number and click on "Search" at the bottom of the page.
2. Check the details that come up are correct for the application you want to object/comment on.
3. Press "Click to View" button.
4. Click "Submit comments" button (top left).
5. Input your name and contact details followed by your objection/comment.
6. Click "Submit comments" button to send.

Once you have submitted the details you will receive an automatic acknowledgement followed by an acknowledgement letter within 10 working days.

Following submission of your comments/objections they will be taken into consideration and placed on the planning file, which is open to public inspection. Anyone who has made a written representation will be informed of the planning decision within 10 working days of the decision notice being issued.

Please note that due to the sheer volume of correspondence received in the Planning Department, it is not always possible to respond to specific queries which may be raised in letters of representation.

You may find it useful to view the planning application online and this can be done by following the instructions for point 1-3 above and then choosing the "Associated Documents" tab.

Additional information

You may want to take the following points into consideration when making your comment/objection:-

Matters relevant to a Planning Decision

In deciding whether to grant planning permission, the District Council must refer to relevant planning policy together with Central Government guidance. It must also take into consideration any other material planning considerations, such as:-

Siting, design and external appearance, including the size, shape and proportions of a building, and it's appropriateness to the locality.
The effect of the proposal upon a neighbouring porperty, i.e. loss of amenity or privacy.
The appropriateness of the use of the buildingor land in the location.
The effect on the landscape or setting of Listed Buildings or Conservation Areas.
The provision of landscaping and protection of trees and natural features.
Site stability or flooding liability and drainage.
Highway safety, including means of access and parking provision.

Please note that this list is not exhaustive or prescriptive, but is intended to help members of the public focus on typical planning issues which may be raised.

Matters Not Relevant to a Planning Decision

These matters are not planning considerations and cannot normally be taken into account when deciding planning applications:

Matters controlled by other legislation, including public health, the quantity or quality of water supply.
Effects on private rights, including provisions set out in deeds or other covenants.
Devaluation of property.
Retention or protection of a view.
Competition between individual businesses.
Personal circumstances such as the health or finances of the owner, applicant or developer.
Ownership of the land or buildings.
Moral issues e.g. in relation to public houses, amusement arcades, betting shops etc.

Please note that this list is not exhaustive or prescriptive, but highlights matters that are commonly raised as being of concern, but which cannot be taken into consideration.

Contact the Council

You can contact Staffordshire Moorlands District Council online, by email, by telephone, through your television, in person, using our kiosks, by post or fax.

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Object/comment on a planning application