Commenting on a planning application

Only include valid planning issues

We can only deal with comments about valid planning issues. Some examples of these are:

policies and proposals in the local development plan/strategic development plan
layout and density of development
design, appearance, materials
overlooking/loss of privacy
loss of light or overshadowing
drainage/infrastructure
effect on character of listed buildings or conservation areas
nature conservation
parking
road safety
traffic generation
noise and disturbance
odours
government policy

Invalid planning issues

The following examples are not valid comments and cannot be taken into consideration when assessing a planning application:

loss in the value of your house or property as a result of the development
an opinion that there is no need for the development e.g. having enough hot food take-aways in the area already
boundary or neighbour disputes
loss of a private view
health issues
commercial/business competition
the identity of the applicant
where the development has commenced or been completed (in advance of the application for planning permission)
moral issues in connection with, for example, betting shops, public houses, amusement arcades

More independent advice and information on the planning process and on making representations to planning applications can be found on the Planning Aid for Scotland website.