We aim to put the community at the heart of planning. Planning helps shape the places where we live, work and spend time, so it is important that people have clear opportunities to get involved.
The statement explains how we:
- publicise planning applications
- help you view and comment on applications
- make decisions
- support you to take part in the planning process
We are committed to making planning services accessible to all and will make reasonable adjustments where required.
What planning permission is
Planning permission is usually required for:
- building new structures
- changing the use of land or buildings
- extensions or alterations not covered by permitted development rights
Permission may also be needed for:
- advertisements
- works to listed buildings
- works to protected trees
How to get involved in planning
You can get involved in planning by:
- checking if planning permission is required
- viewing planning applications online
- commenting on planning applications
- speaking at planning committee (where applicable)
We encourage early engagement and clear, relevant comments to help inform decisions.
Getting advice before you apply
The National Planning Policy Framework encourages early engagement between applicants, the council and the community.
We encourage applicants to get advice before applying.
Pre-application advice can help:
- identify what permission or consent may be required
- highlight relevant planning policies
- identify potential issues early
Pre-application advice is optional and there is a fee.
For larger or more complex developments, applicants are encouraged to carry out their own community engagement before submitting an application.
How we publicise planning applications
We publicise planning applications so people can comment.
We will:
- publish applications on our website
- display site notices where required
- send letters to neighbouring properties
- consult parish and town councils
- consult ward councillors
Depending on the type of application, we may also advertise in a local newspaper.
The standard consultation period is usually 21 days, although this may vary depending on the type of application.
How to view and comment on planning applications
All planning applications are available to view on the council’s website.
You can:
- search for a planning application
- view plans and supporting documents
- track the progress of an application
- comment on an application
You can submit comments:
- online
- by email
- by post
Comments must be submitted in writing. We cannot accept comments made by telephone.
Comments must include:
- the planning reference number
- your name
- your full postal address
We cannot accept anonymous comments.
Comments must relate to planning matters (material considerations).
All material comments received will be taken into account when we make a decision.
What we can and cannot consider
When determining planning applications, we can only take into account planning matters (material planning considerations).
These include:
- design, scale and appearance
- impact on neighbouring properties (for example privacy, light and noise)
- highway safety, traffic and parking
- environmental impacts (including trees, ecology and heritage)
- relevant local and national planning policies
We cannot take into account:
- loss of a private view
- property value
- private disputes or covenants
- personal opinions about the applicant
Site notices, letters and publicity
Site notices
Where required, site notices will be displayed near the application site.
They explain:
- how to search for the application
- how to comment
- the deadline for comments
Letters to neighbouring properties
We will normally notify neighbouring properties by letter.
The letter will explain:
- how to view the application
- how to comment
- the deadline for comments
Not all properties will receive a letter. Anyone can still comment on an application.
Newspaper advertisements
Some applications are advertised in local newspapers.
Planning committee and public speaking
Some planning applications are decided by planning committee.
If an application is considered by committee, members of the public may be able to speak.
To speak at committee, you must:
- register in advance
- provide a summary of the points you wish to make
Time limits apply and places may be limited.
How decisions are made
Planning applications are decided in line with the development plan, national planning policy and other material planning considerations.
We take into account consultation responses and comments from residents, businesses and community groups.
For more information about what we can and cannot consider, see the section above.
Most applications are decided by planning officers. Some are decided by planning committee.
Decisions are published on the council’s website.
Petitions
We accept petitions relating to planning applications.
We will publish:
- the reason for the petition
- the number of signatures
We do not publish signature pages.
Unacceptable comments
Comments must not include abusive, offensive or discriminatory language, personal allegations or defamatory statements.
Comments that do not relate to planning matters may not be taken into account.
We may remove or not consider comments that do not meet these standards.
Planning appeals
Applicants may appeal against planning decisions.
If an appeal is made, people who commented on the application may be notified.
Comments previously submitted will be forwarded to the Planning Inspectorate.
Appeal decisions are published on the council’s website.
Important information about commenting and appeals
If a planning application was submitted on or after 1 April 2026, the consultation period may be the only opportunity to comment.
This applies even if the decision is later appealed.
We encourage anyone wishing to comment to do so within the consultation period.
Decisions and notifications
Planning decisions are published online.
If you have commented on an application, you may be notified of:
- the decision
- planning committee dates
- appeals
Planning decisions must follow planning law. This includes applying the development plan and considering relevant planning matters.
Decisions also involve professional judgement, so proposals will not always be approved or refused based on policy alone.
Enforcement action is discretionary. We will not take action against every breach and will consider whether it is appropriate and proportionate.
This ensures decisions and actions are in the public interest.