A year ago, a neighbour submitted a planning application that will cause noise and light pollution issues for around 15 other houses. The decision is way overdue now.
The neighbour already creates noise through the activity they carry out on their property, but they are restricted by planning conditions (from more than 20 years ago) to 9-5 and they cannot use lighting. The conditions were imposed to protect neighbour amenity. Their application is to extend their permitted hours into evenings and weekends and add lighting.
Many neighbours have objected and the numbers are sufficient to force a planning committee hearing if the planning officer recommends approval. However, it’s just been sat there for 12 months, with the occasional document being added now and then.
My objection pointed out the local planning policy requirement to conduct impact assessments if noise is likely to exceed a specified decibel level (this is quite a new policy, the previous provisions were much more vague). The policy also sets out maximum acceptable levels. I also provided extensive evidence that the activity in question exceeds both. However, the latest document published this week (internal council correspondence from 6 months ago!) suggests a condition be attached for a post-approval noise plan. This clearly doesn’t follow policy which is to establish the harm and mitigation prior to approval. Transparency and the democratic process would be completely undermined and this would be quite different from how near identical proposals have been considered in the past 5 years.
Given that I submitted a few objections in the early months of the application (responding to misleading follow ups from the applicant), should I:
a) submit a further note detailing the specific provisions which are not being followed on a blow by blow basis?
b) wait and see if this goes to planning committee (the only route to approval) and raise it in my 3 minute speech? I know I will be able to speak as I am friends with all the objectors and they want me to represent them. On the off chance this didn’t work out, late written submissions are accepted.
I really think I’m right here, but I don’t want to compromise the impact by irritating the planning office!