Development management - statement of community involvement (SCI)

Our statement of community involvement is a legal statement. It sets out how we let people know about planning applications, how to get involved in planning decisions, how we let people know about planning decisions and the process for appealing planning decisions.

Contents

Introduction

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 needed for

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:

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.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) development

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations require that some planning applications are supported by an Environmental Statement (ES).

EIA development is usually larger or more complex development that may have significant effects on the environment. This can include major infrastructure projects, certain minerals and waste developments, and other forms of development identified in the regulations.

Promoters of an EIA development are strongly encouraged to engage with local communities and stakeholders before submitting an application.

Where an Environmental Statement is submitted, additional publicity and consultation requirements apply. This includes extended publicity arrangements.

Find out more information about EIA development on GOV.UK

How to get involved in planning

You can get involved in planning by:

We encourage early engagement and clear, relevant comments to help inform decisions.

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.

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.

How to view and comment on planning applications

All planning applications are available to view on the council’s website.

You can:

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

 

This Statement of Community Involvement will be reviewed periodically to ensure it remains consistent with legislative requirements, national planning guidance and the council's approach to community engagement.