How to object to a planning application Step-by-Step

Facing a planning application nearby that endangers the familiar and cherished aspects of your life can be quite stressful. Although our rights have diminished and our landscapes appear to be less safeguarded, there are numerous actions we can and should take to defend our lifestyle choices and investments. Our buildings should be constructed with quality, consideration, timeliness, and in appropriate locations. While it's not legally required, they should ideally align with local needs and the community's development plan. Here is our step-by-step guide for you to follow:

1. 1. Locate the Application:

   • Go to your local council's website and find the planning section. 

   • Use the search function to find the specific planning application using the application number or address. 

2. 2. Understand the Consultation Period:

   • Check the consultation dates on the application page. You usually have at least 21 days to submit comments. 

3. 3. Prepare Your Objection:

   • Identify Valid Reasons: Focus on reasons that are relevant to planning policies (e.g., impact on the environment, traffic, noise, character of the area, privacy, local amenities). 

   • Research Policies: Refer to the council's local plan and relevant national planning policies (like the National Planning Policy Framework). 

   • Be Clear and Concise: Clearly state your reasons for objection and avoid irrelevant or emotional language. 

   • Provide Evidence: If possible, include evidence like photos, diagrams, or data to support your points. 

4. 4. Submit Your Objection:

   • Online: Most councils provide a dedicated online form on the application page. 

   • Email: Find the council's planning email address and include your name, address, application number, and site address. 

   • Post: Send a letter to the council's planning department, including the same information as above. 

5. 5. Consider the Weight of Your Objection:

   • Individual Objections: While many objections are helpful, duplicate comments may not be as effective. 

   • Focus on Specific Issues: Concentrate on the most relevant and impactful aspects of the application. 

   • Be Respectful: Maintain a respectful tone in your communication. 

Not certain about the reasons for your objection?

1. I Object has a useful outline of the grounds you can object on.

   
   

2. It's also worth checking out any letters already submitted on the specific application or similar ones. If you are struggling to galvanise your view, you'll find these attached to the planning application on the local authority's website.

   
   

3. If you know what you want to say and why you want to say it, but the words won't flow, using an AI tool such as ChatGPT can solve your issue. Do read the suggestions through carefully, as AI does make mistakes.

   
   

What's happening in South Moorlands?

Recently, particularly at the local level, developers have been constructing poorly and without consideration, creating unsuitable types of properties creating over subscription to some areas whilst the housing shortage remains in key areas such as affordable and accessible homes. Some are even neglecting to pay the agreed-upon infrastructure funds necessary for communities to develop around their sites, hindering the possibility for everyone to eventually live harmoniously together. More are simply bad neighbours.

Who is responsible for ensuring your peace, equity, and livelihood during the construction process you might wonder? This responsibility primarily lies with the local council, which, if you reside in Staffordshire Moorlands, is SMDC. They are primarily responsible for ensuring the peaceful occupation of homes. They have a statutory licensing scheme for houses in multiple occupation and powers to address disrepair and housing standards in both private and rented properties. They also work to tackle homelessness and ensure access to affordable and decent housing. The council is involved in planning and building matters related to housing, ensuring development is appropriate and sustainable. The council also addresses issues like antisocial behaviour and domestic nuisance complaints, which can impact the peaceful occupation of homes. 

We've reached out to them numerous times regarding serious issues with local development, but they show little interest and offer more excuses than a Premier League manager whose team just lost to a junior five-a-side. We must continue to voice our objections even after planning approvals are granted to developers, exercising our rights to peacefully occupy our homes. After all, we pay the local authority to ensure a safe living environment, and they must fulfil their responsibilities.

A stark warning

Don't think that a development in another part of your town or village doesn't affect you. Although it might not seem relevant at first, it will influence services, traffic, drainage, and the view you are accustomed to. Long-standing features will disappear, and once they're gone, they won't return. Therefore, consider your stance carefully, and if necessary, voice your objections. Support your neighbours in their challenges and hold developers and the local authority accountable throughout the process. This is essential for our community's survival.

If you want to see local developments you can find them here:

http://publicaccess.staffsmoorlands.gov.uk/portal/servlets/ApplicationSearchServlet

How to object to a planning application Step-by-Step - 28.6.25