Town and Country Planning System

	Responding to Consultations
Good Practice Guide	Always include:- The planning application name and reference number The site and / or feature that may be affected. Why the site and / or feature is important in simple and clear terms The likely effect the proposal will have on the site / feature References to any planning guidance and Statutory Development Plan policies that the proposal may conflict with. A recommendation to the Local Planning Authority based on the above. Responses should not usually be more than a page long. Complex cases may be longer, use annexes where needed.
Hints and Tips	Get to know the planning officer concerned by phone (perhaps to obtain additional information) by site meeting if needed, don't ask for unnecessary meetings - planning officers are busy people! Get to know your local councillors It is legitimate to lobby your councillor. Explain your case and provide information. Persuade them to become involved. Form a committee If the task is too big, share the work load, and use the media to help your case Consultation periods are usually short - only 14 - 21 days. can sometimes be extend by prior arrangement with the planning officer for more complex or contentious cases Usually a letter is the only opportunity to influence the planning officer.
Following Up	This is very important as it can provide one last chance to stop or modify the development. Always request a copy of the Case Officer’s report which must be ready 3 days prior to it going to the Planning (sub) Committee You can decide whether your comments have been accurately reflected. If they have not, you must act immediately. Insist that the Case Officer rewords his report to accurately represent your views. Finally, to assess the effectiveness of your comments, request a copy of the Planning (sub) Committee’s decision on the application. (The case officers report and the council’s decision may be published on the council’s web site.)
Types of Consultation Response	Recommendations in you response should follow one of the following: No comment. Request for further information* accompanied by a precautionary objection. Request refusal (object) but make this subject to withdrawal if certain conditions or obligations are imposed that adequately mitigate adverse effects. Request refusal outright. *The Local Planning Authority usually passes on requests of this nature to the applicant. Failure of the applicant to provide this information can be a reason for refusal of an application.