How to Object to a Neighbour’s Planning Application

If your neighbour’s proposed building plans are likely to have a negative impact on your lifestyle or affect the value of your property, you need to act now and do something about it. Read on to find out everything you need to know about objecting to a neighbour’s planning application.

Why might you want to object to a planning application?

There are several reasons why you may wish to object to a nearby planning application.

●     Loss of privacy - if your neighbour intends to carry out renovations or extend their home in a way that would have an adverse effect on your privacy, there’s a good chance that you have strong grounds for an appeal.

●     Accessibility issues - if planning permission of proposed building plans would cause accessibility issues for you or other people in the community, such as those who are disabled, then this could justify a dispute.

●     Environmental threat - if you have reason to believe that your neighbour’s planning permission could affect the natural landscape or damage nearby trees, you may be able to raise a convincing dispute. You may also have grounds for an objection if the proposed building plans will affect a nearby heritage site.

●     Design issues - the council will usually take into consideration the visual impact of the planning permission. This means that you may be able to dispute the plans if your neighbour intends on building something that is notably out of character for the neighbourhood, ignores local design guidelines or uses building materials that are aesthetically displeasing.

How can I object?

To object, you will need to write to the Planning Department of your local authority and quote the planning application number. There will often be a comments section on the local authority's website where you can do this, otherwise post or email is fine. The local authority will request comments within a time limit, usually twenty one days, however in practice it is often possible to object to a planning application after this time limit has expired but before planning permission has been issued. It is generally best to make your objections known as soon as possible.

If you’d like to object to a neighbour’s planning application, Simon Levy can offer planning permission help. By critiquing, analysing and scrutinising planning applications, Simon Levy Associates can support you in organising an extensive planning permission appeal letter on your behalf, which will then go into the related implications for the proposals on your property. We will survey the area, organising management, conservation guidance as well as any design or construction policy imposed by the local authority with the aim to strengthen your case. Contact us today for expert planning permission advice.