Can I make comments on a Planning Application?

Yes, but the issues you raise must involve planning matters such as:

1.  The planning policies and proposals in the Chester District Local Plan

2.     Government planning advice (e.g. Planning Policy Guidance and Planning Policy Statement) and appeal decisions

3.       Impact on the character and appearance of an area (e.g. siting, scale, massing, height and design)

4.       Impact on residential amenity (e.g. hours of use, overlooking, overdominance, noise, traffic)

5.     Impact on highway safety (e.g. poor visibility, pedestrian               safety, parking)

Little or no weight can be given to non-planning matters or purely private interests such as:

1.     Structural stability, drainage, fire precautions, hygiene and internal space (these are, however, dealt with under other legislation such as the Building Regulations)

2.     The personal characteristics of the applicant

3.     Disputes over the ownership of the land affected

4.     Private rights of way, private drains and other private easements and legal covenants

5.     The effect of the proposal on property values

6.     Competition between rival companies, shops, restaurants etc.

7.     Right to a view

Support for, or an objection to, an application, can be made by letter:

Chester City Council 
Development Co-ordination
The Forum
Northgate Street
Chester
CH1 2HS

e-mail: planning@chester.gov.uk

completing the on-line form: the planning applications online page has the facility to comment on applications.

This correspondence will then be taken into consideration when determining the application.

If you make a written objection or support for an application, we will acknowledge receipt of it in writing and we will also send you details of the decision soon after it has been made. To enable us to do this please include your name and address. All presonal information is redacted prior to scanning and not published on line.

The Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 allows your written views to be seen by other members of the public and the applicant.

Why have I not been told about work that my neighbour is carrying out?

If you are an occupier or owners of property in the immediate vicinity of an application site and considered by us to be affected by the proposal you will have been notified in writing and invited to comment within 21 days.  Even if you have not been notified you can still make observations.

You may inspect an application at any time during office hours without making an appointment. If you have any comments they must be made in writing within 21 days. Alternatively comments made via E-Mail will be accepted provided that they are received within 21 days.

An extension of this period may be arranged if you are not able to respond within the time period allowed for objections. Such requests will be considered on their merits.

Contact Details

Planning - Development Control

Email - planning@chester.gov.uk

Opening hours - 8.30am - 4.45pm

Phone number - 01244 402404

Fax - 01244 320946

Address - Development Control, Development Directorate, Chester City Council, The Forum, Chester, CH1 2HS