Comment on or object to a planning application

Anyone can comment on a planning application. You do not need to be a neighbour, or to be involved in the building project.

Register for an account to comment

You will need to register for an account on Public Access to:

  • comment on applications
  • keep track of particular applications
  • get email notifications about how applications are progressing

Log in to Public Access to leave your comments

Visit the Public Access site that the application you want to comment on relates to:

You will then be able to login using your credentials, find the relevant application and leave a comment.

For more guidance view our guide to using Public Access.

Timescales

Make sure that you get your comments in before the deadline.

This is normally 21 days from the publication date of the notice.

Publishing your comments

Starting from 18 March 2025, public comments on planning applications will no longer be published on Public Access. This change is to protect personal information under GDPR rules.

People can still share their views on planning applications, and these will be considered when making decisions. The planning process remains the same, and decision-makers will still see all comments, which will be summarised in the officer's report.

Comments from official consultees like Highways, Town and Parish Councils, and the Environment Agency will still be published on Public Access (subject to GDPR). For more details on community involvement in planning, check the updated Statement of Community Involvement from 11 March 2025.

How we consider your comments

Our planning officers can only take into account comments that can broadly be categorised as being in the public interest.

They cannot take into account comments that:

  • represent private interests
  • are already being taken into account through existing legislation

If you comment on a planning application, you might be able to speak at the Planning Committee when it’s considered. Read the Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) to find out how the council consults on planning decisions.