Planning Application

[jojosapphire]

Gutted logged on to our planning application today and 6 of our neighbours have objected! Some of the issues i was expecting but some i was not! Sorry no real question just wanted to share to get it off my chest. I have e-mailed our architect to see if there is anything we can do, but guessing we will have to majorly adjust our plans!

They objected to mine too OP. It still got passed though. All is not lost.

Just because they have objected doesn't mean that it will get rejected. Objections can only be based on planning grounds. So highways acxess, overdevelopment of the site, right to light etc. They can't say "we don't think they should be allowed" without backing it up with a genuine planning law reason why.

In my case it was one busy body, who actually didn't live near to me winding people up and getting them to write in with a template letter.

Did you speak to the neighbours before about the plans? Are you gutted because they were on board but have now objected? Or that you may have to change your plans?

Objections do not necessarily mean your application will be refused. Did you think that it might be controversial? Your architect should have warned you. What are the concerns?

Thanks for your replys... We had mentioned that we were planning an extention when we moved in and in passing, but didnt go door to door with the plans or anything. The objections vary some we were aware would possibly be an issue like a side window which we are expecting to have to frost. But most are complaining about us fencing in our side garden which is beside our rear garden, saying that its an area for kids to play on (its on our deeds as ours) and that a wall or fence will encourage vandalism! Until i tackled it quite a chunk of this land was over run by brambles and an overgrown hedge which by having a fence there will apparently be less safe for padestrians. Anyone know if we can send in a letter addressing some of the objections or is it best to just let it take its course?

I think you'll have the opportunity to respond once consultations close. It doesn't sound like the fence would be a valid issue, unless it compromises visibility on the road. Do check for covenants on that land though in case there is something enforceable about not enclosing it. That doesn't influence planning itself though.

If it goes to the planning committee to be decided (mOst applications don't BTW and are decided by the planning officers) then the chances are you will get a few minutes to make your case. You will probably need to tell them you intend coming in advance to book a slot. That's the time to blow the objectors our of the water by telling the committee that the land in question was an overgrown bramble patch that you have cleared etc etc. Offer to glaze the window. Etc etc.

The number of objections is irrelevant. It is whether their raise material planning considerations which weigh against the development which is important. Land ownership is not material. The appearance of the fence is.

I would wait till the consultation period is over and then phone your case officer and ask them what their likely recommendation is. Then you can act accordingly.

Six objections is likely to take an application to planning committee (if recommended for approval) unless your Council's scheme of delegation is very generous.

You can certainly write to the Planning Officer to respond to the objections at any stage of the process.
If you are happy to frost the side window then put that in writing - the Council can make it a condition of planning permission if they think it necessary.
With regards to the fence there will be two main issues: whether it has any impact on highway safety by obscuring visibility (either on the road, or for people using driveways - including your own). If this is a problem, you may be able to reduce the height or readjust the position - check with the Planner. The second issue will be its visual impact - are you on an estate where all the other gardens are open, are other gardens enclosed by hedges etc? If it will look out of character, that may be a concern. Again speak to the Planner.

As MagdaS says, objections have to be material considerations that weigh against the development.