Planning Applications: Consultation

Consultation is an important part of the process of determining planning applications. There are a number of methods that we use to inform people about applications that may affect them. For all applications we inform members of the public by way of a site notice being displayed as close to the site of the application as possible. In some circumstances, neighbours are notified by letter, but this is at the discretion of the Development Control Officer who is dealing with the application. In some cases we will also put an advert in the local paper (Eastern Daily Press – usually on a Monday). We also inform Parish and Town Councils about applications in their area.

For applications that are likely to have significant affects on neighbours or the environment the Council will work with the applicant to ensure appropriate consultation takes place. The Breckland Statement of Community Involvement sets out what is required for different types of applications and the methods that will be used.

If you feel that you may be affected by the new development, you have a chance to comment within 3 weeks of the date of the site notice. During this time, a copy of the application is available at our reception at our Dereham Office. The reference number of the application is displayed on the site notice and it is useful if this could be referred to when wishing to view the application and in any correspondence with us.

How Do I Comment?

Please tell us how you are affected by any of the following planning matters:

• Policy
• Loss of privacy
• Overshadowing
• Scale of development
• Design and appearance
• Highway matters such as concern that the proposal would increase traffic and parking

We cannot take into account comments on the following types of concerns:

• Loss of value to the property
• Commercial competition
• Loss of view
• Land ownership disputes

If you are concerned about any of these matters, you may wish to seek advice from a solicitor or the Citizen’s Advice Bureau.

Where Do I Send My Comments?

Please send your comments, quoting the planning application reference number, to:

Phil Daines
Development Services Manager
Development Control
Elizabeth House
Walpole Loke
Dereham
Norfolk
NR19 1EE

Do you need help?

If you are housebound or have a disability which makes it difficult for you to be able to visit our offices at Dereham, please let us know and we will do our best to help.

What we will do with your comments

• Make sure your comments are recorded and acknowledged
• Consider your comments
• Where appropriate, seek amendments to the application to overcome concerns raised
• If there are significant amendments to the application, we will notify you again and give you the opportunity to comment
• Let you know what decision has been made

If the application is taken to the Development Control Committee for a decision, members of the Committee will be told of your comments.