Search and comment on planning applications

You can use the online Public Access system to:

• search for planning applications, weekly lists of new applications, decisions, appeals and enforcement notices
• view documents and plans
• comment on undecided planning applications

Before you start, read our guidance below for commenting on planning applications and the terms and conditions for Public Access.

Step by step instructions on how to use the Public Access system can be found in the downloads section of this page.

Search and comment on planning applications

If you want to save your searches, track the progress of an application, and receive email updates you will need to create a Public Access account.

How to comment on planning applications

You can comment on a planning application:

• online using the Public Access system
• in writing by post

Advantages of submitting comments online

You get instant email acknowledgement of your details when you submit a comment.

Your personal data (email and contact details) will automatically be removed from the information published.

By submitting comments online it is more likely that the planning case officer will receive and be aware of your comments as they are inserted directly into the electronic planning application file.

By registering once, you will not need to re-enter or repeat standard personal information if making further comments.

Timescales

You should submit comments as soon as possible so that they can be taken into consideration as part of the normal determination process.

Comments should be made within 21 days of the planning application being registered by the council.

In some circumstances we will re-consult on a proposal. Details of the consultation period for each case will be published on Public Access.

What issues are considered

When considering a planning application, relevant issues will include:

• development plan policies
• government guidance
• case law
• residential amenity
• design and layout
• conservation matters
• highway safety and traffic
• landscape and trees
• other relevant material considerations

Issues not considered relevant include:

• matters covered by other laws e.g. alcohol licences
• private property rights e.g. boundaries or access disputes.
• the developer’s motive
• possible future development
• loss of view from your property/land
• the effect on value of property

When comments will not be published

Any statement which is offensive, abusive, defamatory, indecent, obscene, threatening, racist or in breach of any other rights will not be published. Any statement that is not relevant to an application or is submitted anonymously will also not be published.

What happens to your comments

By law all comments made, together with personal details about a current planning application must be publicly available.

If you receive acknowledgement of a comment that you did not submit then contact us immediately so that we can investigate the authenticity of the communication received.

All comments are taken into account during the decision process. We regret however that we are unable to respond to individual comments or discuss specific applications.

Following the decision of a planning application, in accordance with data protection legislation all neighbour comments made in relation to an application will be removed from the system.