17 March 2007

Objecting to a Planning Application

Objecting to a planning application needs careful thought. It is important to remember that any objection must be based on valid planning reasons and should therefore relate to policies contained within the Unitary Development Plan (see Lewisham Council website).

The local authority is not concerned with the impact of development on property prices or the ability to sell one’s house.

Subjective matters should be avoided. Architecture and Design is always a difficult matter on which to object because there are no hard and fast rules about what constitutes good architecture. It is therefore imperative to concentrate on the objective, those things that can be valued – density, open space provision, car parking or bicycle provision.

The key to remember is that objections need to be substantive and relate to sound reasons for refusal. If you do want any advice on objecting to specific proposals, please contact the Forest Hill Society and we will be happy to discuss how best to proceed.

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