Consultation and commenting on planning
applications
The planning system operates in the interest of the public,
seeking to control new development to ensure the best outcome for
the wider community. We provide an opportunity for the public to
consider the effects planning proposals may have, and submit
comments.
How we consult on planning applications
We are legally required to publicise all planning applications.
We do this by letter, and/or site notices, and/or press notices. We
also publish a weekly
list of planning applications received.
Search and view applications
Our online
search and view planning applications facility allows you to
view all documents and plans associated with applications (those
received since 1 January 2005). Alternatively, you can inspect a
copy of the planning application by visiting the Council Offices at
Derby Street, Ormskirk or the Concourse, Skelmersdale. Our offices
are open 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Thursday and 9.00am to 4.45pm
on Friday.
If you require further information about the application you can
speak to the case officer. Alternatively, we have a duty officer
available at the planning reception at the Derby Street Council
Offices, 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Thursday and 9.00am to 4.45pm
on Friday, to answer any queries you may have.
How to comment on planning applications
You have 21 days to comment on an application, from the date
notification was made. You can object to the proposal, support the
proposal or just express a general view. Comments should be made in
writing:
> use the online form
to comment on a planning application
or write to the Planning Department, West
Lancashire District Council, 52 Derby Street, Ormskirk, L39 2DF.
Please make sure that you provide the application reference and
address of the proposal.
Comments can be submitted by anyone. We advise you to view the
details of the application and plans before submitting any
opinions. Please note that all comments will be available for
inspection by the public and will be able to be viewed on the
website. Representations should relate to the proposed development
and not comments of a personal nature regarding the applicant.
Representations without a name or address will not be
considered.
What is a valid objection?
We can only take into account 'material planning considerations'
when considering your comments. The list below is not exhaustive,
but is designed to show the most common examples:
· Loss of light/overshadowing
· Loss of privacy/overshadowing
· Visual amenity (but not loss of private view)
· Adequacy of parking/loading/turning
· Highway safety
· Noise and disturbance resulting from use
· Hazardous materials
· Traffic generation
· Smells
· Loss of trees
· Landscaping
· Road access
· Effect on listed building and conservation area
· Design, appearance and materials
· Conflict with planning policies
· Disabled access
· Nature conservation
· Archaeology
· Previous planning decisions (including appeal decisions)
· Proposals/policies in the development plan
What cannot be considered?
We cannot take into account matters which are not planning
considerations. Again, the list below is not exhaustive but
includes:
· Loss of property value
· Private disputes between neighbours
· Loss of a view
· Impact during construction
· Restrictive covenants
· Fence lines
· Personal morals or views about the application
· Ownership disputes over rights of way
· Boundary disputes
· Applicants motives
· Loss of trade and competitors
Taking your views into account
When we receive your comments, we will place them on the website
and they will be available for public inspection. All letters of
representation will be given full consideration in the
determination of the application.
It is not possible for our officers to respond to comments raised
in individual letters. However, you can view the case officer's
report (online or at the council offices) which will set out the
relevant planning policies and detail your comments so you can
understand the basis on which the decision was made. The officers
report and the decision notice will contain any details of
conditions that have been placed on the approval or the reasons for
refusal of the application.
If the application is to be decided by the Planning Committee your
views will be included in the report for them to consider. At
committee, there is an opportunity for a limited number of parties
to address the Members. Follow this link to find out more
information about the Committee process.
Notifying you of a decision
If you have received a letter from us notifying you of receipt
of the application and you subsequently submit your comments then
we will notify you by letter of the decision. Unfortunately, we
cannot notify everyone who has an interest in the application
because of resource restrictions. Instead, we publish the planning decisions on
our web pages.
Only the applicant can appeal against the decision. If an appeal is
made, and you commented on the earlier application you will be
notified and invited to write to the Planning Inspectorate with
your comments. Any previous comments are passed on to the
Inspector.