Lewes District Council
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Planning
Lewes District Council
Southover House
Southover Road
Lewes
East Sussex
BN7 1AB
Tel: 01273 484420
planning@lewes.gov.uk
Fax: 01273 484452
Minicom 01273 484488
Comment On Planning Applications
Anyone can comment on a planning application, providing the opportunity for neighbours, local residents/associations and the wider community to have their say on development proposals.
New Planning Applications
We widely circulate details of the latest planning applications to allow those affected the opportunity to comment on the proposals. This includes:
- Planning Notices displayed at the proposed site
- Neighbours with an adjoining boundary are notified in writing
- Some applications are advertised within the local newspapers
- Publish a list online - Weekly List
- Paper copies at Planning Services Reception in Southover House
How To Comment
You can comment on an application via post, email or using the online commenting facility on Planning Public Access.
Your comments must be received in writing and cannot be taken verbally, if you wish them to be considered. Anyone can make their views known on an application. Once an application has formally been accepted, there is a period of 21 days to make your comments. It is very important to meet the deadline for comments or your submission may not be taken into account.
Submitting A Comment
Please bear in mind the guidance below, on what issues can be taken into account when considering an application. All letters of representation are acknowledged. The law requires these to be made available for public inspection and therefore objections cannot be treated as confidential.
Submit a comment online:
- Go to the planning application search
- Search using the application number or address
- Click the 'comment' tab
* You will need to register as a user before making comments on an application
Which issues are relevant to a planning application
Try to view the submitted plans and forms before you write to the Case Officer, to ensure you understand the development under consideration. The Council can only take certain issues into account when considering an application for planning permission. You should concentrate on these issues when commenting on an application.
Issues that can be considered include:
- Whether a proposed use is suitable for the area
- Whether the appearance and size of a new building/structure is in keeping with its neighbours and the surrounding area
- Whether external alterations to an existing building are in character
- Whether adjoining residents will suffer any overshadowing, overlooking or loss of privacy
- Whether there will be any increase in noise and disturbance, for example from the comings and goings of extra traffic
- Whether new public buildings have satisfactory access for the disabled
- Whether there is adequate parking or the development would be dangerous for road users and pedestrians
- Whether a public footpath is affected
- Whether there is any visual effect upon the landscape, i.e. loss of trees and hedgerows
- Whether the proposal conflicts with this Council’s planning policies
Issues that cannot be considered include:
- Loss of view
- Loss of property value
- Boundary or other disputes between neighbours, e.g. private rights of way, covenants
- Loss of trade from competing business
- The alleged character or behaviour of an applicant
- The individual circumstances of the applicant
- Moral objections
- The belief that an applicant intends to profit from a development
- Other consents/licences that may be required
Other application types have different issues to consider:
Listed Buildings
The only factors that can be considered are:
- The impact of the proposal on the character or appearance of the Listed Building
- The impact of the proposal on the historic fabric of the building
- The impact of the proposal on the setting of the Listed Building
They do not include:
- All other normal planning considerations e.g. traffic issues or impact on residential amenities (Listed Building applications are often considered at the same time as a planning application, if required and the planning issues would be considered then.)
Adverts
These include:
- Whether a proposed advertisement is too large or unsightly
- Whether the proposal conflicts with this Council’s policies for advertisements
- Whether any illumination will unduly affect residential amenity
- Whether the location of any advertisement will have a detrimental impact on highway safety
Conservation Area Consent
The only factors that can be considered are:
- The impact of a proposal on the character or appearance of the Conservation Area
- The historical/archaeological importance of the subject building/structure
Certificate of Lawful Use
The only factors that can be considered are:
- Factual information about the length of time a building/structure/use has been constructed or taken place
- Any other evidence to support/refute the claims being made in the application
They do not include:
- The Planning merits of any particular application or Planning policies
- Other consents/licenses that may be required
Modification or Removal of Conditions
- Specific issues relevant to the original reasons for imposing the Planning Obligation e.g. Highways issues
- Agricultural justification for development
- Any changes in circumstances since the Planning Obligation was originally completed
They do not include:
- General or new planning considerations that are not relevant to the original reasons for imposing the Planning Obligation in question
Telecommunications
The considerations for telecommunications development are more complex, please see the Telecommunications page for further information on what can be considered.
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