You are here: Home > Planning and building > Planning applications > What happens to planning applications? > Making comments about planning applications

Making comments about planning applications

Changes in our environment happen all the time; new buildings are erected and existing ones are altered, extended or demolished. A familiar building changes hands and turns into something else. These changes may or may not be seen as improvements. But either way, they affect people who live nearby or who work in or visit the area. You can help us to shape the environment by taking part in the decision-making process.

Anyone can comment on a planning application. You do not need to have a direct interest in the site or be a neighbour. This page explains how you can make comments about planning applications that have been submitted to us.

How can I find out about planning applications?

We post yellow planning notices to let people know we have received a planning application nearby. Sometimes we place an advert in a local paper.

To see copies of the plans etc you can

follow the link below to see details of current planning applications, including all of the documents in the planning file
visit our office in Aylesbury
contact your local Parish or Town Council to see their copies

Our Customer Services Centre holds copies of plans and application forms, but if you wish to see the file please telephone first so we can make sure it will be available when you visit.

If you have any questions about a planning application, please telephone the Case Officer. Their number is given on the planning notice.

How can I make my views known?

You should e-mail or write to us stating

your name and address
the application reference number (if you know it) and the address of the site
whether you are supporting, objecting to, or commenting on the proposal
details of your comments.

Your comments should reach us by the deadline shown on the planning notice.

You may, if you wish, organise a petition. If you do, please make sure it is properly set out with its purpose and the reasons for objecting to or supporting the application. Make sure that names and addresses of those signing it are legible. It is better to have a short petition of people who will be affected by the application, than a long list of people, including those living far away from the site.

Who else should I tell?

You may wish to inform your district councillor or parish or town council of your views so that they can consider whether to support them. Follow the link below to find out who your local district councillor is.

Comments on Bucks County Council’s applications should be sent to their offices at County Hall, Aylesbury and copied to us.

What issues can be taken into account when making decisions about planning applications?

This depends on what is proposed and where but may include issues such as

technical advice, for example about road safety and traffic
daylight, privacy or noise disturbance
design and appearance
conservation of buildings, trees, open land and safeguarding the countryside
the appearance of the area
government guidance
case law and previous decisions
relevant planning policies (follow the link below for information about planning policy)

What issues can’t be taken into account?

Again these vary, but may include

private property rights
applicant’s morals, motives or past record
effect on the value of nearby properties
the fact that development has started
trade objections based on competition
moral objections
loss of a private view
inconvenience or other problems caused by building works

What happens to my comments?

We will add a copy of your letter or email to the application file, which is available for public inspection including via our website. We cannot treat your comments, or any part of your email or letter, including your name, address or any other personal details you mention, as confidential.

How is a decision made?

We weigh up many issues before reaching a decision. Your comments may not sway the decision, but we will consider them carefully.

If our Development Control Committee is to decide the application, we summarise your comments in our report and give you an opportunity to speak at the Committee meeting. Follow the link below to find out more about having your say at Development Control Committee.