Monday 21 October 2019
Many people have said they feel frustrated that their representations made on planning matters are being ignored and wish to know why.
Many wish to understand what the planners take into account when making decisions and what they can't. The Development & Planning Authority wants to help address these concerns.
The D&PA is holding a presentation on how best to engage with the planning process. The presentation is titled 'Best Way to Have Your Say' and will be held on Tuesday 12th November from 17:30-19:00 at the Princess Royal Centre for Performing Arts.The presentation will be split into three sections covering policy and planning inquiries, Development Frameworks and planning applications. There will also be plenty of time for questions afterwards.
The D&PA welcomes public involvement in planning, whether the representation is in support of or against the proposals or whether the planning matter directly affects them or not. However, comments and objections must be made on 'material planning considerations', which include:
- The Purposes of the Law
- Any Development Plan, Subject Plan or Local Planning Brief
- General Material Considerations
- Material Considerations for protected monuments, buildings and trees
Matters that cannot be taken into account include, but are not limited to:
- the effect on land or property values,
- the impact on private views,
- the character or identity of the applicant or objectors, and
- issues of commercial competition
The presentation on 12th November will explain these and other considerations relevant to different stages of the planning process in more detail. In addition to the presentations, planning officers will be available in the foyer area to answer questions and give planning advice between 16:00-17:30. This is an opportunity for members of the public to gain pre-application advice on whether planning permission is required, whether what you are proposing is likely to be acceptable under planning policy and the key issues likely to be most relevant to any application. Pre-application forms and planning application forms will also be available to take away and advice about filling in those forms can also be obtained.