The Parish Council as consultee
The Parish Council is a no longer a statutory consultee on planning applications but is
nevertheless, out of courtesy, consulted and is normally given 21 days to comment. Plans for
consideration will be listed on the Council agenda and comments returned to the Borough within the deadline.

In commenting on Planning applications, it is important that the Council considers planning  issues. These include:
• consistency with the development plan for the areas
• Traffic and highway safety issues
• overlooking, loss of privacy and loss of light
• scale of the development
• design, appearance, layout and material
• loss of important open space or physical features
• noise, disturbance or smells
• local knowledge of drainage or other possible problems with the surface
• impact on the surroundings

Issues that are not relevant include:
• Effect on the value of property
• Loss of view over other peoples land
• Possible future development not included in the application
• Private property rights such s boundary or access disputes
• Matters covered by other laws
• The morals or motives of the developer

Special rules apply for listed buildings conservation areas, trees (some are protected by Tree
Preservation Orders). Planning permission is needed for advertisements above a special size.
If development appears to have taken place without permission or if the development is more
extensive than given in the planning consent, the District Council’s enforcement officer to
visit the site and take any necessary follow up action.

Full guidance given to Parish Councillors on Planning matters can be viewed here: