You can comment to support, object or share information about a planning application.
Before you comment
Your comment must include:
- the planning reference number
- your name and full postal address - we cannot accept anonymous comments
If you do not provide your name and full postal address, we cannot consider your comment.
We cannot accept comments made by telephone.
How to comment on a planning application online
The online planning application registers have sections for you to make comments.
Before you start, you'll need to find the right planning register. There are separate systems for:
- the Barrow, Eden or South Lakeland areas
- Minerals and waste
- National Parks
Once you've found the application, you can select an option to leave a comment.
Find a planning register and make a comment online
How to comment on a planning application by email or post
You can also send your comments by email or post, using our contact details at the end of this page.
You must put your comment in writing. We cannot consider comments made by telephone.
Please do not send the same comment more than once. For example, by email and post. We treat all comments the same.
Guidance for commenting on a planning application
What we'll publish about you
Planning applications are public. Your comment will be added to the planning file and published on our website.
Before publishing, we'll remove:
- your signature
- telephone number
- email address
We will not remove your name and full postal address.
What to include in your comment
You must include:
- planning reference number
- your name
- full postal address
- the date
- your comments
Keep your points clear and focus on planning impacts. For example:
- privacy
- traffic
- flooding
- design
You may also include evidence where relevant, such as:
- photos
- measurements
- dates and times
Planning matters - what we can take into account
We can only consider planning-related issues. They are sometimes called 'material planning considerations'.
Examples include:
- privacy and overlooking
- overshadowing or loss of daylight
- design, scale and appearance
- highway safety, traffic and parking
- noise from the proposed use - not the noise from construction activity
- impact on wildlife, trees and habitats
- flooding and drainage
- impact on conservation areas or listed buildings
Planning matters - what we cannot take into account
Some issues are not planning matters, so we cannot use them to decide an application. These include:
- personal disputes or comments about the applicant
- loss of a private view
- business competition
- changes to property value
- private covenants
- boundary disputes or land ownership
- private rights of access
Deadlines and late comments
The consultation period is usually 21 days. This starts on the date on the notification letter or site notice.
We will consider comments received up to the point a decision is issued. Comments received after the decision cannot be taken into account.
Important information about comments and appeals
If the application was submitted on or after 1 April 2026, this consultation period may be the only opportunity for you to comment on the application. This includes situations where the application is later appealed.
Find more information about planning application appeals made on or after 1 April 2026 (GOV.UK).
Help understanding the plans
If you need help finding or reading documents, such as drawings, please email planning4@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk.
We cannot discuss our assessment, or our likely decision, whilst we're considering the application.
Speaking at a planning committee
Most applications are decided by planning officers, but some are decided by Planning Committee.
If an application goes to committee, you may be able to speak if you register in advance.
Find more information about public participation, including speaking at a Planning Committee.
How we decide planning applications
We decide planning applications in line with planning law and the development (local planning policies). However, other material planning considerations may indicate otherwise.
We take account of:
- consultation responses
- comments from neighbours and local groups
Where a proposal is acceptable in principle but needs controls, we may grant permission with conditions. For example:
- materials
- landscaping
- operating hours
Some applications are decided by planning officers, under delegated powers. Others are decided by Planning Committee. We publish all decisions and decision notices on our website.
Read about how we make our planning decisions.
Petitions
We accept petitions about planning applications.
We publish:
- the petition reasons (usually the front page)
- the total number of signatories
We do not publish signature pages.
Unacceptable comments
Do not include:
- abusive, offensive or discriminatory language
- personal allegations about individuals
- rumours or hearsay
- defamatory statements
We may return comments that do not meet these standards, and they may not be taken into account.
Contact us
Email: planning4@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk
Post: Planning Services, South Lakeland House, Lowther Street, Kendal, LA9 4DL
Telephone: 0300 373 3300