Commenting on Applications

Finding out about applications

Applicants do not need to let their neighbours know about their application, unless the planned development encroaches on their neighbour’s land, nor do they have to display a notice on site, even though we ask them to do so for at least 21 days. However, the Council tries to make sure all those affected by the application get to know about it.

When the application is received the Council, as a minimum, notifies people occupying any property that shares a boundary with the application site and those people that live opposite. However, even if you have not been notified you can still comment – you don’t need to be invited to comment.

The Council always makes sure people can find out about applications via its website, which is the best way to keep up to date about what applications have been made in Crawley. You can view planning applications registered with the Council by clicking on the ‘Planning Applications Search’ link on the right.

People are given 21 days from the start of the consultation period to make their comments to the Council.

Public Notices

If the application is accompanied by an environmental statement, departs from the Council’s development plan policies, affects a listed building, development in a conservation area or is a ‘major’ application (i.e. erection of 10 or more dwellings or site area is 0.5 hectares or more; or in other cases; where the floorspace to be created is 1,000 square metres or more, or the site area is 1 hectare or more) the Council will put up a notice on site and make sure details are published in the Crawley Observer’s legal notice section.

Please follow this link to view the Public Notices page.

How do I comment on an application?

The easiest option is to comment online. Search for an application and click on the ‘comment on this application’ link at the bottom of the page.

You can also write to or email the Head of Regulatory Services. Your comments will normally become matters of public record, open for other members of the public to read and copy, under the terms of the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985.

. Written comments (letters, email or online) will be taken into account by the Council in making a decision.

If you do comment please make sure you make it very clear what application you are commenting on, preferably quoting the planning application number which begins with “CR”.

How do I find out about decisions?

For more information about how you can find out about planning decisions, as well as what happens to a planning application, please click on the ‘How an Application is Decided’ link on the right.

What can I comment on?

If you comment on an application it is important that your comments relate to planning matters as it is only these matters that can be taken account of by the Council when making its decision. Planning matters include things like:

• Local Planning policy matters ( see the Local Plan pages)
• Government planning policy and guidance (visit www.communities.gov.uk)
• External appearance and design
• Impact on the street scene / character of the local area
• Issues of noise, privacy and disturbance
• Loss of trees or impact on a conservation issues
• Flooding
• Highway safety, traffic and parking issues
• Loss of light or overshadowing

Issues not normally regarded as planning matters, so not usually taken account of when reaching a planning decision include:

• Loss of private view
• Property value
• Other private property matters such as boundary and ownership disputes
• Moral issues or applicant’s motives
• Possible future uses
• Matters covered by other legislation e.g. building regulations, licensing or restrictive covenants