objecting to planning application

[oldles]

I am one of a group of neighbours objecting to a planning application to build several dwellings in a local garden. None of us has any previous experience of these matters.

Are there any web sites that will tell us how to win.

Thanks.

 

[sidecar_jon]

Your local council will have one im sure, also the planning office has lots of leaflets to read in there, including ones on objecting to planning permission.

 

[bernardgreen]

Unless the area is a conservation area or area of special interest an objection on the grounds of " it doesn't look right " have little effect.

The points to consider are

[1] How many new people will live in the houses.

[2] Can the area sustain these people. Child care, schools, surgery, etc

[3] How many more cars. Access to the public highway. Will the new road be a hazard ( contact council highways department for advice ).

[4] Is a car journey necessary for schools, shopping etc.

[5] Are the houses being planned suitable for the housing needs of the area. Some areas desperately need low cost homes for first time buyers. If that is in your area and the plans are for executive houses then they are not suitable for the area.

Imagine you are going to buy one of the new houses and draw up a list of non emotional reasons why you would not buy one at that site.

Sometimes a developer will promise a planning gain in return for permission. They will build a shop, community hall or similar. Ensure the council will enforce that condition.

A point to watch out for. Sometimes the first application and plans will be turned down. The developers will appeal with new plans that have taken account of the reason for rejection but with more houses than the previous application. This continues with more houses and more objections removed each time new revised plans are submitted. Eventually the council gives in before they have an applciation for an estate of tightly packed houses and no way left to object without getting another application with even more houses.

 

[Softus]

Are there any web sites that will tell us how to win.

You will win if the council committee is fully conversant with all the facts, and if you have legitimate grounds for objection, and if you present your objection in a reasonable manner.

Or is it that you want to find out how to manipulate the rules to your own advantage, and unfairly influence, perhaps even corrupt, the officials who will make the decision?