Planing Permission

[bednobs]

hello, we are in the middle of trying to get PP for an extension. There have been 5 objections to it. My question (for anyone with experience) is with five objections, is it likely to be turned down flat? or will they really look into the objections before the meeting?

[jackthehat]

All objections have to 'have legs'....

Just saying they don't want it is not a sufficient reason.
What is the basis of any of the objections?

[Zacs-Master]

Objections have to be based on planning law. It’s no good just saying ‘I don’t want this next to me’. Did you know you can go on the council’s website and actually see the letters of objection? Just search ‘(name if local authority) planning application search’. They’re quite good for a laugh sometimes.

[bookbinder]

It depends on the circumstances, surely. If you have a good case, a good argument, make sure that you present it in a firm and positive manner. Do your homework first. Don't just sit there and hope that it will turn out OK. Approach it like a court case, and go in there with facts and figures to back up your case.

[Atheist]

Objections to a planning application have to be based on material planning considerations and are not seen as a local referendum (at least, in theory!) If the objections raise issues that are valid - eg loss of light, loss of local visual amenity, loss of badger or bat habitat, they will then be taken into account and a balanced judgement will be made, bearing in mind that there is a presumption in favour of approval unless there would arise significant demonstrable harm to interests of acknowledged importance.

[Buenchico]

The planning authority hs to take into consideration whether or not those opposed to the development have actually got valid grounds for their objections. e.g. "The value of my own house will drop" or "I will no longer be able to see the church" aren't valid grounds for objecting.

This might help:
https://www.richmond.gov.uk/what_is_a_valid_objection_to_a_planning_application

[bednobs]

several - neighbour say loss of light (despite the fact they have a 8foot fece and it's only single storey (they say fence is temporary) other neighbours say they will be overlooked (despite no windows on that side!) other say render int usual for the toneof the area, others say balcony will over look them (despite it being a non-extending balcony (eg doors but nothing that just out further than what we already have)

[Zacs-Master]

‘ go in there‘

I’m afraid individuals don’t have the opportunity to do that.

[Atheist]

Buen... I was a senior planning officer at LBRUT. Is that your patch?

[Zacs-Master]

Don’t worry. The council won’t be swayed by anything that doesn’t stack up.

[bednobs]

also, neighbours (via a surveyor) say having an extra bedroom will increase the need for on street parking despite the fact we have a garage, 2 parking spaces on the drive and i havent parked on the road 2 years

[bednobs]

and also they already have had an extension for the extra bedroom!

[jackthehat]

//neighbour say loss of light (despite the fact they have a 8foot fece and it's only single storey (they say fence is temporary)// - No legs....
///.... they will be overlooked (despite no windows on that side!)/// - No legs
//.... render int usual for the tone of the area// The palnners may agree but they will ask for a change and not give blanket refusal.... //.....balcony will over look them (despite it being a non-extending balcony (eg doors but nothing that just out further than what we already have)// - 'overlooking' *is* an issue but again the Planners will tell you if your proposals contravene their own regulations.

[Atheist]

On the other hand, there might be a democratically adopted planning which says that planing houses will not normally be approved.

[Zacs-Master]

As I said, the council will see thru any sillly objections.

[bednobs]

can the architect go to a meeting?

[jackthehat]

It will probably be done under delegated powers rather than by committee.
The *architect* ought to be able to negotiate these matters by 'phone/e-mail.

[Buenchico]

(With apologies to Bednobs):

Atheist: I simply used the Richmond website as a convenient source of information. I couldn't afford to live there! (My local council is Mid-Suffolk).

[bednobs]

"It will probably be done under delegated powers rather than by committee."
what does that mean?

[jackthehat]

Sorry, the Planning Officer will decide it directly rather than it going to a Planning Committee to be voted on.

[jackthehat]

Bednobs - if you look for me on FB in this username (I know yours) I'll be happy to talk it all through with you off-site.