‘Planning for the public good’: On objecting to proposals

“Planning decisions have an impact on people’s lives and their surroundings. The apparently ‘distant’ nature of the planning process is sometimes bemoaned by the public, but do communities have any real agency in these decisions?” 

So began our blog post from earlier this year, Do I Have a Voice? In simple terms, the answer is yes – but we understand that knowing how to use your voice effectively is not always so easy!

Many decisions about planning applications are delegated – that is, they are made by a council’s planning officers in the course of day-to-day work. Some, however, are decided by planning committee; a group of elected councillors, on behalf of the local authority. Decisions taken in this way tend to be for schemes that are more complicated, for example where a significant number of people are likely to be affected by any resulting development or where there has been significant public objection to a scheme. For such decisions, objections may be presented to the committee as part of the decision-taking process.

We have been assisting two groups of residents (in two very different locations!) to formulate their objections to proposals to build additional housing on ‘open space‘ — contrary to what is considered appropriate by both national and local policies. In writing a address to the committee, striking the balance between a speech which highlights the relevant material planning considerations of the objection and the narrative of the community feeling is imperative – but also demanding! This is where you may find the help of an expert invaluable.

We will continue to offer our support and expertise to these groups — if this is something from which you and your community could benefit, please do get in touch to discuss how we can assist you!

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