Material planning considerations are things that must be taken into account when making a planning decision.
There are things we can consider and others that we cannot consider, when deciding on a planning application.
We will consider:
- the principle of development - do you think that the proposal is the right use for the site?
- layout – is the proposal laid out to create a natural and understandable street pattern, are the buildings and spaces in the right places on the site?
- scale and density – is the proposal the right size for the site, and does it fit well with the buildings and spaces around it? Will it cause unreasonable overshadowing or loss of daylight or sunlight?
- design – is the design is ‘right’ for the context it is in, and will improve the local area?
- listed buildings and conservation areas – is the proposal appropriate with regard to heritage, including listed buildings, scheduled ancient monuments or other heritage assets nearby?
- green space and biodiversity – does the proposal improve biodiversity, are trees and hedges affected and is any proposed green space well-designed to be functional and safe?
- does the proposal consider local wildlife or protected species such as bats, badgers, owls, great crested newts and birds?
- streets and roads – will they be safe and useable for vulnerable users, children, pedestrians and cyclists, as well as drivers?
- ae public rights of way going to be made better or affected?
- cycle and car parking, refuse and storage facilities
- noise, fumes or smell that may affect surrounding homes or businesses
- surface water, foul water drainage and flooding issues.
- design of signage, external lighting or advertisements.
We will not consider:
- the loss of a private view from your property
- boundary disputes between neighbours
- loss of trade to competing businesses
- loss of value to your property
- moral objections– for example, to betting shops or amusement arcades
- personal circumstances – for example, a personal dislike of the developer
- photographs of your property, neighbour's property, people or number plates
- matters controlled by other legislation – for example, structural issues covered by Building Regulations
- offensive statements that have a negative impact on a person’s reputation personally or within their trade, profession or business
- comments that discriminate on the grounds of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability