Objections to Planning Applications

Types of comments on Planning Applications

We welcome feedback on planning applications, whether to:

• Support the application.
• Share your views.
• Object to the application.

Every member of the community has a right to comment on any particular application for planning permission. We will consider your views and comments as part of the determination process of the application.

Each application has a formal publicity period. Comments should be submitted during this time to ensure they are added to the planning file.

Requirements for comments

• You must always provide your name and address when commenting. This includes situations where you are commenting on behalf of a business or community group.

• The council will not accept anonymous comments. Comments submitted under a false name or address, or comments submitted under an incomplete name or address will not be considered or published.

• Your comments, including name and address, will be publicly available on our website. However, your phone number and email address will remain confidential.

What you can comment on

We can only consider material planning matters. Examples include:

• Parking, loading, or traffic concerns.
• Impact on listed buildings or conservation areas.
• Loss of privacy, light, or trees.
• Noise, disturbance, or hazardous materials.
• Compliance with planning policies or site design issues (for example, height, scale).
• Landscaping, road access, or conservation impacts.

What we cannot consider

We cannot take into account non-planning matters, such as:

• Property value or trade competition.
• Boundary or ownership disputes.
• Personal views, motives, or private neighbor disputes.
• Temporary inconveniences during construction.

For these issues, you may need to pursue civil remedies.

Handling and outcomes of comments

What happens after submitting comments?

• Material planning comments are considered when determining an application.
• A summary is included in the officers' report and reviewed by statutory or non-statutory consultees (for example, Natural England, Environment Agency, Highways Authority).

How to track decisions

• Register on Public Access to track decisions.
• If an appeal is filed, previous comments will be forwarded to the Planning Inspectorate.

Planning Committees and Councillor Call-Ins

• Applications may be referred to the Planning Committee in line with the Scheme of Delegation.
• Councillors may "call in" applications for committee review based on planning grounds only.

Speaking at Planning Committees

• Register to speak (for or against) by emailing plan.devcon@stevenage.gov.uk before 4 pm the day prior to the meeting.
• Speaking slots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

At the meeting:

• Speakers have three minutes unless additional time is granted by the Chair or Vice Chair.
• Your views will be included in the committee report for councillors to consider.

Stay informed about committee schedules and decisions by checking the Attend a Committee Meeting page.

Important note when commenting with respect to the Equality Act 2010.

If you choose to comment on an application, please be aware that placing or publishing discriminatory comments is unlawful under the Equality Act 2010.

The Act protects individuals from discrimination based on sex, race, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnership, religion and belief, sexual orientation and age.

Any such comments will be removed from our website and the individuals will be reported to the Police.