If you want to make comments which will be taken into account in determining an application they must be submitted either via the Public Access online planning applications database or in writing.
You will normally have 21 days in which to comment. If the date in which comments are to be received by has expired, the online system will not allow you to submit comments.
Alternatively you can comment in writing (within the 21 days) to the address shown below
Please note: It is very important that you include the application reference number as well as your name, address and postcode on all online & paper comments. We won't be able to consider your comments if you leave this information off.
We will send a letter of receipt of all representations by Royal Mail
Your comments will not be shown on line, however they are a public document and are part of the documentation for the planning application.
You can also find the planning applications nearest to your property using the online map service
You may also wish to contact your local ward councillor to give your views on a planning application
If you are having problems with understanding the plans or forms with the associated planning application please contact the planning office using the details at the bottom of this page.
You can support or object to a proposal, but you should remember that planning applications can only be decided on the basis of planning issues related to that application, for example:
the effect on neighbours' daylight, sunlight or privacy
the impact of traffic, road access, parking and servicing
the appearance, bulk or height of the scheme
the impact on the character of the area
the impact on amenities such as noise generated by the proposal
the potential loss of a valued local service or use such as a shop or a residential flat
the effect on a conservation area
Although we can't refuse a scheme because construction works may cause noise and disturbance, we can restrict the hours of work, particularly in residential areas.
For information on your right to have your say on applications that go to appeal, please see our web page on Planning Appeals.
the effect on property values
loss of a view
competition between rival businesses
boundary disputes
moral and religious issues
covenants
personal disputes
All comments received are acknowledged through the using the postal system. Anything you are concerned about or have supporting comments about will be taken into consideration by the planning officer who is dealing with the application. This may lead to the officer contacting the applicant and suggesting amendments to the scheme.
If major changes are made, we will let people know who have commented and will normally give a further 14-21 days for additional comments to be made.
When applications are decided by a planning panel all comments received are summarised in the officer's report which is published 5 days prior to the planning & rights of way panel. This report can be viewed on the Council’s Planning & Rights of Way agenda (see below link) You will be advised of the date, time and location of the committee should you wish to attend.
Anyone who made online comments or sent a letter will be notified of the decision within 2-3 weeks.
No, the volume of objections will not in itself result in an application being refused. An application can only be refused for ‘planning reasons’ and not because of the number of objections.
The council’s planning and rights of way panel has given the authority to planning case officers (delegated) to decide the majority of planning applications. However, about 10% of applications, sometimes when a ward councillor or resident requests it, or are controversial or complex are heard at the planning panel, who meet approximately every four weeks to decide applications.
In the rare instances that a large application goes against the policies set out in the Development Plan, the matter will then be referred to the Government who will decide whether the Council should be allowed to decide the application.
As the law stands there is no right of appeal for objectors. In certain circumstance a Council’s decision can be challenged in the courts, if there is a concern that the Council has acted unlawfully or in contravention of the Town & Country Planning Act
Southampton City Council
