How To Comment on Planning Applications

It happens to many of us at one time or another. A notice from South Cambs District Council arrives in our letter-box informing us that a neighbour has applied for some alteration to his/her property and inviting us to comment on the application. Here are some helpful hints in such a situation.

First of all, it's important to determine just what your neighbour proposes to do. You can perform an online application search here. Enter the reference number which appears on the District Council notice. Here you will be able to access the full planning application as well as all accompanying architectural plans and drawings. If you do not have access to a computer or would like to see hard-copies of the plans, simply come to the Parish Office and we would be happy to assist you.

Once you have determined what the proposed alteration is, it's time to decide whether or not you wish to comment (positively or negatively) on the application. Here you will find the current policies used by district officers to judge the merits of planning applications.

Pay particular attention to the Development Control Policies in the Local Development Framework. Referring to these policies ensures that your comments are based on actual planning issues. Let's say, for instance, that you feel that the proposed changes would not be in character with neighbouring properties. You could cite Development Control Policy 2 (DP/2 for short). Again, if you do not have a computer, simply contact the Clerk's Office for help.

You can comment directly on the online application or by post. Please note that e-mails cannot be accepted unless they include your full name and postal address.

It would be very helpful if you would also send a copy of your comments to the Parish Clerk's Office (by post or e-mail). The Parish Council reviews all planning applications that affect Milton and provides its own comments to the district planners. It is important, therefore, for the Parish Council to be aware of your views.