Comment on planning applications
Planning considerations
We can only determine applications on valid planning considerations. Comments made outside the scope of valid planning grounds cannot be considered. Where comments are considered to be inappropriate (eg if they contain libelous statements or include profanities), they will not be published.
Valid planning grounds include:
- Impact on the character or appearance of an area, including design, materials and appearance
- Compliance with national and local planning policy
- Traffic and highway safety issues
- Environmental issues, including noise and air quality
- Privacy issues (eg overshadowing, overlooking or loss of privacy)
- Impact on employment and the local economy
Examples that are NOT valid planning grounds:
- Effect on private property values
- Loss of a view across somebody else's land
- Personal issues with the applicant
- Moral arguments (eg betting shops or casinos encouraging gambling)
- Disturbance during construction
- Private rights of way
- Land ownership or boundary disputes
- Matters covered under other legislation (eg opening hours covered by premises licences, littering)
Planning grounds can still cover a wide range of issues and, by law certain matters must be taken into account:
- Government advice as set out in National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and Guidance (NPPG)
- Local planning policies - Lancaster District Local Plan, core strategy and supplementary planning guidance (SPG) notes and documents (SPD)
- Other planning issues (such as comments from consultees or neighbours based on valid planning grounds)
Last updated: 24 April 2024