Planning applications - Commenting on planning applications

Introduction

We have a duty to consult on applications and contact occupiers of neighbouring properties affected by proposals to find out what they think.  As part of the application process we want to get the views of all interested parties.

Downloads

• Your chance to have your say - a leaflet which is for anyone who may be affected by a planning application
• A guide to planning legislation and practice - a guide about how to get involved in planning decisions

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How do I find out about an application?

We publicise planning applications by:

• writing to near neighbours of the site who are invited to comment on the proposal
• publishing a Weekly List of Registered Applications.

You can also receive details of planning applications in your area by registering with PlanningFinder - visit www.planningfinder.co.uk to find out more.

Some applications are advertised in the Bristol Evening Post and/or by a formal site notice displayed on or near the application site.  Applications advertised in this way are those that:

• affect a listed building
• affect a conservation area
• depart from our local plan
• affect a public right of way, or
• have a substantial impact on an area

Normally 21 days is allowed from the date of publicity for comments to be made.  However, all written comments received up until the decision is made will be considered.

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Where can I look at an application?

You can inspect planning applications, including application forms, drawings and other relevant information:

• online via PublicAccess for Planning 
• by visiting the Planning Office, Brunel House, St George's Road, Bristol, BS1 5UY.  Please telephone 0117 922 3000 to make an appointment. 

You can also telephone the case officer to discuss or ask about an application.

If you are a disabled person and would have difficulty in coming to these offices to look at the plans, you may contact the case officer who will send you a copy of the plans or visit you at home.

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How do I make a comment?

You can make a comment about a planning application in writing:

• online - via PublicAccess for Planning 
• by letter - City Development, Brunel House, St George’s Road, Bristol, BS1 5UY
  To avoid unnecessary publication of personal details, you can exclude personal information, eg you do not need to sign your letter, or include telephone numbers or email addresses. 
• by email - customerservices.ptsd@bristol.gov.uk
  To avoid publication of your email address, you can send your comment as an attachment to your email.

Comments must include

• the date
• name and address of the sender
• the application number
• site address

Please note

• anonymous comments, letters or emails will not be accepted or taken into consideration in the determination of applications
• if you send a comment by email or online, you do not need to send us a hard copy via the post - electronic comments carry just as much weight as written comments, and are processed in the same way.
• any written comments you make about an application, by law, must be publicly available, which includes via our website

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What can I comment on?

All comments we receive about a planning application will be considered, but only planning issues can be taken into account.  These include:

• loss of light or privacy
• overshadowing on your home
• highway safety
• traffic and parking issues
• noise
• amenity
• wildlife
• historic buildings
• conservation
• design, and
• appearance of the development

Issues which cannot be taken into account include:

• loss of view
• effect on property values
• private rights
• boundary disputes, and
• construction noise

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What happens when I comment on an application?

We will acknowledge all written comments on an application. The acknowledgement letter will tell you who is dealing with the application and who to contact if you have any questions.

We will not normally contact you again until after a decision is made unless the application:

• is to be determined by a Development Control Committee, or
• is significantly altered or withdrawn

Please note that due to the large number of comments received about planning applications we cannot enter into individual correspondence or discussion.  You will, however, be advised of the decision.

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