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Commenting on planning applications
You can make comments about 'live' applications. Most planning applications go through a public consultation process of about
three weeks. However, some applications (for instance, advertisements) can be
determined without any formal public consultation period.
If you are using our On-Line Planning Database to find out about planning applications, the Planning Application Details screen usually indicates the expiry date for publicity, if applicable. If you are not sure whether the publicity period for the application has expired, you are advised to contact Planning to check this.
If you wish to make comments about a 'live' planning application, we prefer that you send these by email to: planning@leicester.gov.uk. Your email should quote the application reference number, and your name and address. All emails will be printed and put on a file and on the council's web site, which anyone can see.
If you prefer, you can send comments in writing before the expiry date for publicity. Letters should quote the application reference number, and your name and address. All letters will be put on a file and on the council's web site, which anyone can see. The address to write to is on our contact Planning page.
Making a decision
Where six or more objections are made in writing and officers think that planning permission should be given, the proposal will usually be reported to a Committee of City Councillors. There are some exceptions, including where objections are not relevant to the proposal.
Any objections or comments received are summarised in the report on the application. Where there will be a committee decision, officers will tell the Committee about any views received after the report to Committee is written.
Committee reports are available to the public five working days before the date of the Committee meeting. They can be seen at the Customer Service Centre.
What we can consider
In deciding planning applications, the Council can only take into account comments or objections which
relate to planning issues. These include:
- Whether the proposal meets national and local planning policies, particularly those in the Councils development plan documents.
- Possible problems with traffic safety or car parking.
- The effect on the local environment, including noise and disturbance, and on daylight reaching adjacent properties.
- The effect on the appearance of the surrounding area.
We cannot usually take into account effects on property values, the personal circumstances or character of the applicant, or moral issues. Also, the standard of construction, health, safety and energy conservation in a new buildings or extensions are dealt with through a separate system of Building Regulations approval: contact Building Control for further information.
Appeals
If the council decides to refuse permission, or to grant permission subject to conditions, the applicant is entitled to appeal against the decision. A government inspector appointed by the Planning Inspectorate will normally make the decision on the appeal.
Any comments received from third parties about the original application will be forwarded to the appeal inspector, and in most cases, those who made comments will be given an opportunity to make further comments.
Note however that in the case of 'householder' applications (for instance, alterations and extensions to houses), any third-party comments will be forwarded to the appeal inspector, and there will be no opportunity to make further comments at appeal stage.
How to get help and advice
After you have seen the planning application, you may wish to discuss it with the officer dealing with it. The name and telephone number of the officer is given on the letters to neighbours, or on site notices.
Staff in the Customer Service Centre may be able to advise you, and they can contact the officer dealing with the application for you.
Always give the application number if you know it, and the address of the proposal, when writing or telephoning us about a planning application.
Contact Planning if you would like further information.
