You have just received a neighbour notification and you are concerned about a planning proposal. What do you do?
If you feel strongly about it do not assume that other individuals
and organisations will react: check the plan out for yourself and object,
or suggest modifications, if you think you have good grounds to do so.
The application will go before the District Planning Committee who will
be given a recommendation by their officials. They will also take into
consideration any representation from the local District Councillor, the
local Community Council, and any other written submissions (in that order
of importance).
First go and see the plans at the District Council Office at 2 High Street, Perth (take a pencil and tracing paper). When you see the plans, if you do not understand them ask to see a member of the planning department to explain them. Make sure that you understand the size of the development, the type of wall cladding and colour, and the roof type, pitch and colour. Now you must decide (a) do you wish to support it, (b) do you not mind, (c) do you not mind in principle but think that the current plans should be altered, or (d) are you against the development as a matter of principle.
If you are going to take action, make a tracing of the plan to show
to your neighbours. Look at the Kinross Local Plan in the Kinross Library
and the design guidelines (if any).
Inform the Planning Department and your local District Councillor of your objections in writing. Consult the Kinross-shire Civic Trust secretary at Tulliebole Castle Cottage, Crook of Devon, Kinross-shire KY13 7QN. (Fossoway 840592) if you have doubts about how to proceed.
Next contact your local Community Council secretary. Tell him that you wish to address their next meeting, and send him a copy of the objection and plans if he has not got a copy. The smaller applications will be dealt with at their next meeting. If the development is considerable the Community Council may be persuaded to hold a special meeting but you will probably need a petition of at least 20 signatures. It is more likely that they will agree to discuss the matter at the next month's meeting when all concerned will be invited to speak.
Think when making your case, try to object to the general principle
first and then give your personal reasons. A general principle could be
- ribbon development, loss of visual amenity, the scheme runs contrary
to the principle of good village planning, or contrary to the Kinross Local
Plan etc.
If you think that the drainage, roads, water supply, schools, shops or other aspects of infrastructure in your area are not adequate then say so.
Try to ensure that your personal reasons for objecting are relevant.
If they are not, your comment will not carry much weight. Remember that
while you have no right to a particular view you do have a right to maintain
adequate light on your property.
Remember also that there is no need to feel sorry for the applicant
as he may have employed a professional to make the application and you
are only an amateur. A considerable number of applications fail because
they are of poor quality, are badly laid out, and have shown no understanding
of the surrounding area, so they deserve to fail.
If the Planning Committee reject the application, then you must wait
to see if the developer decides to appeal. If the Planning Committee grants
the application for planning permission, then third parties cannot appeal.
The applicant is the only person who is entitled to appeal to the Secretary
of State for Scotland to review the decision in terms of section 33 of
the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1972.
In the event of the applicant appealing, the Secretary of State for Scotland will send you a letter stating what rights you have so you can still continue play a part in the democratic process of objecting.
Click here
for the Scottish Office planning policy and guidance documents.
Adapted from Scottish Civic Trust Newsletter.
Summer 1991.