Commenting on planning applications

Points you should consider

The purpose of the planning system is to protect amenity and the environment in the public interest. It is not designed to protect the interests of one person over another. Decisions on planning applications will be based mainly on the policies and proposals in the Development Plan, which in this district, comprises the Oxfordshire Structure Plan and the West Oxfordshire Local Plan. There must be exceptional reasons for reaching a decision contrary to the Development Plan.

We welcome comments on planning applications and if you wish to raise an issue please do so, but not all viewpoints may be relevant to planning.

When assessing and commenting on planning applications you could usefully focus on such matters as:

overlooking and loss of privacy
overshadowing and loss of light
overdominance
local circumstances
the history of a site as it may be relevant
noise, disturbance and smells
local knowledge of drainage or other possible problems with services
existing planning policies
traffic and highway safety issues
scale of development
design, appearance, layout and materials
loss of important open spaces
landscaping
retention of important physical features
conservation of buildings, etc.
impact on surroundings

This list is not exhaustive but it gives an idea as to what sort of comments would be helpful when we consider planning applications. A leaflet entitled 'Commenting on Planning Applications' is also available in the 'downloads' section on the right of this page.

What we are unlikely to take into account

Some issues, which vary from case to case, are usually irrelevant in reaching planning decisions. These include:

effect on value of property
loss of view over other people's land unless it amounts also to the loss of an important public view across the land or involves overlooking, overdominance or loss of privacy
possible future development not included in the application
comparison with other previously- approved schemes on the site
private property rights such as boundary or access disputes
matters covered by other laws such as alcohol or gaming licences or Building Regulations
the morals or motives of the developers

Local support or opposition

Local opposition in itself is not a reason for refusing planning permission. Opposition should be based on valid planning reasons, which can be supported by evidence. These will be considered alongside other planning matters such as planning policies, Government guidance and advice, and the views of a wide variety of bodies and authorities, which we are obliged to consult. Weight of local opposition to a scheme does not necessarily mean that an application should be refused. Similarly, local support for a scheme does not mean that planning permission should be granted.

Planning Conditions

In some instances where permission is granted, conditions may be imposed to regulate the development, so appropriate suggestions would be helpful. While we will seriously consider any suggestions made it may not be possible to impose such conditions for a number of reasons, such as duplication of other controls (e.g. drinks licensing) or if they are not justified.

How do I comment?

View the weekly list of planning applications, locate the application of interest and email your comments direct to the named Planning Officer. Alternatively, please submit your comments in writing to the Head of Planning Services, West Oxfordshire District Council, Elmfield, New Yatt Road, Witney OX28 1PB or email your comments. Please remember to quote the planning application number and location on all correspondence.

Letters should be received before the quoted deadline. If the Area Planning Sub Committee considers the application the content of your letter will be summarised in the officer's report. If you letter is received after this report has been prepared, it will be reported to members via a late representations document or verbally reported by the officer to the Sub-Committee. Comments received after the deadline may fail to be considered by the Council in determining the application.