Planning Applications – material considerations

Material planning considerations can include (but are not limited to) :

  • Overlooking/loss of privacy
  • Loss of daylight/sunlight or overshadowing
  • Scale and dominance
  • Layout and density of buildings
  • Appearance and design of development and materials proposed
  • Disabled persons’ access
  • Highway safety
  • Traffic and parking issues
  • Drainage and flood risk
  • Noise, dust, fumes etc
  • Impact on character or appearance of area
  • Effect on listed buildings and conservation areas
  • Effect on trees and wildlife/nature conservation
  • Impact on the community and other services
  • Economic impact and sustainability
  • Government policy
  • Proposals in the Local Development Plan
  • Previous planning decisions (including appeal decisions)

Issues which cannot be taken into account :

  • Who the applicant is/the applicant’s background
  • Loss of views
  • Loss of property value
  • Loss of trade or increased competition
  • Strength or volume of local opposition
  • Construction noise/disturbance during development
  • Maintenance of property
  • Boundary disputes, covenants or other property rights
  • Rights of way
  • Personal circumstances are generally not a material planning consideration