Comment on a planning application

You can comment to support, object or share information about a planning application. 

Before you comment

Your comment must:

• include the planning reference number
• include your name and full postal address - we cannot accept anonymous comments
• be related to planning matters

If you do not provide your name and full postal address, we cannot consider your comment. 

We cannot accept comments made by telephone. Your comments will be taken into account when we make a decision.

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 depending on where the site is located: 

• 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. 

Read our privacy notice

What to include in your comment 

• privacy and overlooking
• overshadowing or loss of daylight
• design, scale and appearance
• traffic, parking and highway safety
• noise from the proposed use
• impact on trees, wildlife and habitats
• flooding and drainage
• impact on conservation areas or listed buildings

You can include supporting information, 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
• design and appearance
• traffic, parking and highways
• environmental impacts

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 in property value
• boundary disputes or land ownership
• private covenants or rights of access

Deadlines and late comments 

The consultation period is usually 21 days from the date on the notification letter or site notice.

You should submit your comments within this period.

We will consider comments received up to the point a decision is issued. Comments received after a 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 likely decision while an application is under consideration.

Speaking at a planning committee

Most applications are decided by planning officers. 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 plan.

We take into account:

• consultation responses
• comments from neighbours and local groups

Some applications are decided by planning officers. Others are decided by Planning Committee.

We publish all decisions on our website.

Read about how we make our planning decisions.

Petitions

We accept petitions about planning applications. 

We publish: 

• the petition reasons
• the total number of signatories 

We do not publish signature pages.

Unacceptable comments

Do not include:

• abusive, offensive or discriminatory language
• personal allegations
• 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