The present Planning System
For the benefit of members, Barbara Robertson, a FORA executive member with wide experience of how the planning system operates in our borough, has produced this outline guidance to commenting on planning applications.
The information has been drawn from a Waltham Forest Council booklet entitled Planning - Your Guide 2006/7, and a council Development Control Advice Note (updated October 2006).
All planning applications are overseen by the council's Development Control team.
It must consult with neighbours, other council departments and public organisations over applications. It has to take account of how planned work will effect the environment and the community and consider the development plan for the area.
The latest Development Control Advice Note (updated October 2006) explains how to comment on an application. It says these should be addressed to:
Development Control Group
Chingford Municipal Offices
The Ridgeway
London E4 6PS
The Council can only take into account planning considerations. The main planning policies, which must be followed are:
- Central government policies
- The London Plan (produced by The London Mayor's office)
- The Waltham Forest Unitary Development Plan (a legal document)
- Supplementary planning guidance
Other material considerations - these are planning issues which are normally taken into account by the council's Officers or its Planning Committee when considering comments made on an application:
-
Loss of light or overshadowing - Overlooking or loss of privacy
- Visual appearance (for example, design, appearance and materials)
- Layout and density of buildings
- Traffic generation, highway safety or adequacy of parking
- Noise, smells and disturbance resulting from use
- Loss of trees
- Effect on listed buildings or conservation areas
Matters that cannot normally be taken into account include the following:
- Matters controlled under building regulations etc
- Private issues between neighbours
- Loss of value of property
- Problems associated with the construction period
- Loss of a view
Comments can include suggestions about imposing restrictions on the future use of the development.
A planning application will have its own dedicated Planning Officer, who deals with the application and any objections or comments.
There are 21 days from the notice that a planning application has been lodged for objections and comments to be made.
Many applications are decided by senior Planning Officers, but, if going to the Planning Committee, notification of the date of the meeting will be sent to you if you have made written objections.
Applications can be amended by developers and , where this happens, the amended plans are published, but only 14 days are allowed for comments to be made on these.
In both cases, views will be considered by the Planning Officer and summarised in his/her report. If their recommendation does not support your views, this does not mean they have been ignored.