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How to make comments on planning applications

Anyone can comment on a planning application. These comments are valuable as they bring matters of local concern to our attention.
 
Issues may include:
 
  • The Development Plan
  • Government planning guidance
  • Highway safety and traffic
  • Noise, disturbance and smells resulting from the proposed development
  • Design, appearance and layout
  • Conservation of buildings, trees and open land
  • Impact on the appearance of the area
  • Effect on the level of daylight and privacy of existing property
  • Need to safeguard the countryside or protected species of plant or animal
  • Planning case law and previous decisions
  • The need for the development
  • Planning history of the site
 
Matters which cannot be taken into consideration include:
 
  • Matters covered by other laws apart from planning, such as alcohol licensing, or construction techniques
  • Private property rights such as covenants
  • The developer's identity, morals, motives or past record
  • Effect on the value of your property
  • The fact that development has already started
  • Trade objections based on competition
  • Moral objections such as an objection to gambling or a pub
  • Loss of a particular view
  • Inconvenience or other problems caused by building works
 
When to comment
 
Letters and site notices give a date by which comments should be sent to us. We have to give at least 21 days for comments on new applications by law. 
 
With large and complex applications there may be quite a long time before a decision is made. You can find out by emailing development.control@wokingham.gov.uk or phone 0118 974 6429 to contact the Case Officer. 
 
How to comment
 
To comment on a planning application you will need the planning application number. You can find this by searching our planning applications.
 
An unedited copy of all comments submitted can be viewed by the public, including the applicant.
 
You can:
 
 
Please include your postal address or email address so we can contact you and let you know the decision on the application.
 
What happens to comments
 
Your comments will be read by the Case Officer. Unfortunately we cannot reply to your comments. 
 
We also consult your local Councillor, other Council departments and other organisations  as appropriate  - such as Town and Parish Councils, ecological advisers, conservation organisations, the Environment Agency, etc.
 
The job of our planning staff and/or the Committee is to balance the impacts against all the other considerations - including planning policies and the reasonable expectations of the applicant. 
 
To find out more email development.control@wokingham.gov.uk or phone 0118 974 6429