Planning Applications - Can I Comment?

Introduction

Planning and other applications normally involve proposals that will change the local environment. These can include (amongst others) new buildings, extensions, changes of use, advertisements and work to trees.

When we consider proposals, we have to carefully balance an applicant's requests to use or develop property against wider public interests and concerns.

The Council encourages public involvement in planning and your views and comments (either in support or against proposals) are welcomed.

How Do We Publicise Planning Applications?

The Local Planning Authority has a statutory duty to undertake some form of public consultation upon every application submitted to the Local Planning Authority. We attempt to inform as many people as possible who are likely to be interested in a proposal, by notifying in writing the occupiers of properties neighbouring the application site, by advertising all applications in the local press (The Worthing Herald) and for certain applications, by placing a notice on the site.

How Can I Find Out More About A Planning Application?

Copies of all current planning applications can be inspected at the Planning, Regeneration and Wellbeing Section's offices (in Portland House) during normal office hours. If this is inconvenient for you or if you are unable to visit during office hours, special arrangements can be made for the application and plans to be inspected in the Reference Section of Worthing Central Library.  The Library is open most evenings and on Saturdays.  To make arrangements please telephone the Development Control Group (01903) 221416 or 221417. It is advisable to view the plans to see how the proposal may affect your property, before making any comments.

If you have any questions regarding the application, you can ask our receptionist or, if necessary arrange a meeting with a planning officer, who will further explain the application to you. A planning officer is normally available without an appointment, each day, between 10am and 1pm. Please ask to speak to the duty planning officer.

Can I Object To A Planning Application?

Yes, anybody has the right to comment upon any current application whether or not a consultation letter has been sent directly to them, as an occupier of a nearby property. It is important however, that any comments are received within the stated period (usually 21 days) from the date of the letter, the site notice or the press advertisement.

How Should I Object To A Planning Application?

Comments can be made in three ways.  You can write to the Development Control Manager, Portland House, Richmond Road, Worthing BN11 1LF (please quote the application number).  You can make representations by email to planning@worthing.gov.uk (however, if you choose this method please include your postal address) or you can use our on-line planning system, that allows you to monitor the progress of an application and submit comments.  It would be helpful if your comments are made on no more than one side of an A4 sheet of paper.

Should I Write If I Hold No Objection But Support An Application?

Yes, people often only inform us when they object to a proposal. It is also important for us to be aware if there is support for an application and written comments are always welcome.

Petitions

Should a lot of people agree with your views (either object or support), you can organise a petition and send it to the Development Control Manager. It is important that the petition is concise and legible, that all names are printed and signed alongside their respective addresses and that the petition is clear in respect of the planning matters to which it refers.

What Is A Relevant "Planning Matter"?

Comments made in respect of an application should be restricted to “planning matters” as other considerations cannot be taken into account when determining an application. “Planning matters” relate to the effects the proposed building or use of land may have on the environment and neighbouring occupiers.

We have listed below some examples of valid and invalid concerns. There are many other examples and if you are in any doubt, contact the planning officer dealing with the application to clarify whether your concerns are relevant “planning matters”.

Valid

• Overlooking/loss of privacy or loss of other residential amenity
• Visually intrusive
• Contrary to Structure or Local Plan
• Not in accordance with Government Policy
• Highway safety and traffic impact
• Inadequate parking or servicing
• Excessive noise or smell
• Poor standard of external design, appearance or layout
• Visual harm to the character of a Listed Building or a Conservation Area
• Damage to fine examples of trees
• Over development/excessive density
• Overbearing impact

Invalid

• Would devalue property
• Loss of a private view
• Breach of covenant
• Boundary disputes
• Matters covered by other laws e.g., building regulations, alcohol licence
• Proposed internal layout (unless the proposal involves internal alterations to a Listed Building)
• Personal views about the applicant
• Objections based on moral, racial or religious views

Who Decides A Planning Application?

Most planning applications are decided by the Development Control Manager, under powers delegated to him by the Development Control Committee. The larger or more contentious applications are usually dealt with by the Development Control Committee.

As well as writing to the Development Control Manager, you may also wish to contact your local Borough Councillor, to discuss the application. A list of Borough Councillors is available at the Planning, Regeneration and Wellbeing Section's Reception.

If an application is considered by the Development Control Committee, a summary of comments received will be reported to the members of the Committee.

Public Speaking

Public speaking is allowed at the Development Control Committee and further information can be obtained from the the speaking at public meetings page.  The procedures usually allow for up to 3 speakers for or against a proposal and each speaker is allowed a maximum of 2 minutes.  Those wishing to speak in connection with any agenda item will need to register with the Committee administrator a day before the meeting.

If Enough People Object, Will A Planning Application Be Refused?

No - not necessarily. This a common misconception. Whilst we welcome all views held in respect of an application, we can only refuse an application on valid planning grounds. We have to consider carefully whether the proposal will cause sufficient harm on planning grounds to warrant refusal of the application.

Whilst a number of objections may indicate the strength of local feeling, a single valid objection will be as effective as many, if it concentrates on the relevant planning matters.

Will My Comments Be Confidential?

No. You should be aware that all comments, the names and addresses of the objectors/supporters are open to public inspection.

Will We Reply To Your Comments?

Unfortunately, because of the volume of letters received in response to planning applications, it is not possible to acknowledge letters or to provide a detailed reply to individual comments.  However, all representations will be considered carefully and you will be notified of the Council's decision at the earliest opportunity.

If Planning Permission Is Granted, Can I Appeal Against The Decision?

No. Objectors do not have a right of appeal. Only the applicant can appeal against a decision of the Council (either for a refusal of an application, or a condition imposed on the planning permission). If an appeal is lodged, all those people who commented in writing on the application will be notified, to enable them to write to the Planning Inspector who will be appointed by the Secretary of State.

If a Public Inquiry or a Hearing is held, both objectors and supporters usually have the right to speak, at the discretion of the Inspector.

If You Have Any Further Questions

If you have any questions not answered by the above advice, please contact planning.

Planning applications are quite separate from Building Regulations. You are advised to contact the Council's Building Control Group for advice regarding Building Regulation matters. We have an answerphone (01903 214034) for out of hours messages

THIS ADVICE IS AVAILABLE AS A LARGE PRINT LEAFLET

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