Commenting on Planning Applications
The role of the Planning Officer is to form a fair and impartial judgement on planning applications on behalf of the Council.
The Council has to consider and make a decision on all applications which are registered as valid. The Council aims to consult those who may be directly affected by the development proposed.
Comments must be on the planning merits of the application. Non planning comments such as effects on the value of property cannot be taken into account.
An application is judged against the Council's own planning guidelines and policies as set out in the Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames Unitary Development Plan, and in Supplementary Planning Guidance. Copies are available at relevant Libraries, and at Customer Contact and Advice Centre, Guildhall II. These policies will give you guidance on valid planning arguments. The Council also takes account of relevant Government and London Plan policies.
Many applications are straightforward, a few are not. Some will accord with the Council's policies, others will vary in different ways. In these cases, it may be possible to achieve a balance or compromise. The general rule is to assess each application on its own particular merits.
The Council may grant planning permission, usually with conditions, or refuse planning permission. To justify refusal, the Council must show that the proposal would cause harm. A small effect on the environment or on amenity may be insufficient. In each case an assessment must be made of the degree of harm. If planning permission is refused, the applicant has a right of appeal against the Council's decision. Appeals are made to the Planning Inspectorate which is a Government Agency. For certain planning applications, the Mayor for London has powers to Direct the Council to refuse planning permission.
The Council are required to reach a decision within a reasonable time. The Secretary of State sets targets for decision making. For example, applications for major development are expected to be decided within 13 weeks of receipt. If you feel there are exceptional circumstances, which prevent you making your views known in this time, you should contact Development Management in the Directorate of Environmental Services on the direct line telephone number shown.
Please remember that you can support as well as object to an application.
The Council’s policies are periodically revised and you have a right to make comments on any revisions. Opportunities for you to comment will be advertised in the local press.
Due to the high volumes of correspondence that we receive in response to planning applications we cannot guarantee to respond to individual issues or questions raised in those representations. If you have a question you would ask about a non planning application matter please telephone or write to us separately. Please note that any comments which you make will be placed on the planning application file, which is available for public inspection and copying. In the event of an appeal your comments will be available on the internet on the website www.planningportal.gov.uk/pcs
These notes are intended to provide broad guidelines to help you make comments.